Celtic will travel to Sweden to take on AIK at Friends Arena in the second leg of the Europa League playoffs. Barring a major disaster, Celtic should be able to see out their opponents as they have a 2-0 advantage from the first leg. The clean sheet in the last leg would have satisfied Lennon the most after a horrific defensive display against Cluj which cost them a place in the Champions League main draws. The Hoops will look to get an away goal which would well and truly put the tie beyond their Swedish opponents.
The upcoming week is going to be a crucial one for the Hoops as they will face Rangers next in the Premiership. A positive result in the Europa League will keep them in good spirits for the next game so it will be a crucial encounter for the Bhoys.
Team News: Kristoffer Ajer has a bit of a shoulder issue, but he should be fit and available for this encounter. Jozo Simunovic didn’t feature in the tie against Hearts at the weekend, but he is likely to come into the squad for this game. Scott Bain is out after injuring his hand. Hatem Abd Elhamed is also a significant doubt.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs AIK
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Summer signing Fraser Forster is likely to start in goal over Craig Gordon. Christopher Jullien is likely to keep his place in the starting eleven at the back. Croatian defender Jozo Simunovic should start alongside him.
Makeshift centre back Nir Bitton might miss out. Kristoffer Ajer is expected to fill in at right-back once again. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo is expected to keep his place on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Lennon is likely to continue with the tried and tested pair of Callum McGregor and Scott Brown in midfield. Brown will be in a more conservative role, protecting the back four whereas McGregor will look to get on the ball to drive the team forward.
Olivier Ntcham should be the one starting in the attacking midfield role. James Forrest could be placed on the right flank once again. Ryan Christie might get the nod over Michael Johnston on the left flank.
Attack
Vakoun Issouf Bayo grabbed a brace against Hearts, and he will be brimming with confidence. Leigh Griffiths is also waiting in the wings to get his chance, but Lennon would likely go in with his big French striker Odsonne Edouard for this critical game.
