Celtic put on a five-star performance in the first leg of the second round of the Champions League qualifiers against Estonian opponent Nomme Kalju. The game is as good as done as the Hoops have a 5-0 advantage going into the second leg.
Kalju were underdogs in the first round as well as they went past Macedonian Champions KF Shkëndija after losing the first leg. They were seconds away from exiting, but Liliu scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to see them through in a night to remember in the club’s history. However, we don’t expect any drama to play out this time around at the Toše Proeski Arena as Celtic proved to be too strong in the first leg itself.
Team News: Kieran Tierney, Jack Hendry, Marian Shved, Daniel Arzani, Eboue Kouassi and Vakoun Issouf Bayo are expected to miss out. Neil Lennon might want to test out some new formations or players so we can expect some changes to the team.
Celtic Predicted lineup vs Nomme Kalju
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Scott Bain should keep his place in goal. He had an easy game last time around, and maybe he might be tested a bit more away from home. This should be a good game to give Christopher Jullien a chance to start in defence. He should be partnered by Jozo Simunovic who has established himself as the first-choice centre back.
Kristoffer Ajer has played his part as a right-back, and his impressive on the ball quality hasn’t really made Celtic miss a natural right back. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo was substituted early in the last game as he was unwell. He is expected to be a hundred percent for this tie. The new signing should start on the left.
Midfield
Callum McGregor is the chief orchestrator of attack for the Hoops, and he often plays a significant role in their setup. He should be partnered by captain Scott Brown whose job would be to shield the back four and keep the game moving in midfield.
Further upfront, Michael Johnston can get a start down the left flank. Johnston was impressive in the previous game after he replaced Bolingoli-Mbombo. Ryan Christie’s movement and energy is often the difference-maker in the attacking third, and he is likely to keep his place as the attacking midfielder. James Forrest is an obvious choice down the right.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths scored a brilliant free kick in the last game. This could be a good game to give him the role of a lone striker upfront.
