Celtic will be in a mood for revenge when they host Romanian heavyweights CFC Cluj in the UEFA Europa League group stages. In August, Cluj had registered a 4-3 win at Parkhead to crash Lennon’s hopes of making it to the Champions League main draw.
Cluj won’t be an easy nut to crack as they registered a 2-1 win over the favourites, Lazio in their first group game. Celtic earned a respectable draw against Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, and they would look to build on that performance. The group is clearly wide open, and it’s tough to say which teams might make it out right now. Lennon will be banking on his home support to get a positive result in Europe.
Team News: Vakoun Issouf Bayo will miss out due to a suspension for the red card he received against Rennes. Leigh Griffiths is closing in on a return, and he might make the Celtic bench. Jozo Simunovic is unlikely to play this year so he will be a significant miss in defence. Goalkeeper Scott Bain is also going to miss out. Winger Michael Johnston and midfielder Nir Bitton are also doubtful.
Celtic Predicted Lineup Vs CFR Cluj
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Fraser Forster is expected to start over the more experienced Craig Gordon in goal. Kristoffer Ajer scored an own goal against the Hibs at the weekend, but he should keep his place at the heart of the Celtic backline. Summer signing Christopher Jullien is likely going to complete the centre back partnership.
Hatem Abd Elhamed should slot in at right-back. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo was dropped for the second leg against Cluj after a poor first leg performance. However, the fullback has shown enough maturity since then and is likely to start at left-back.
Midfield
Lennon is expected to go in with the tried and tested duo of Scott Brown and Callum McGregor at the centre of the park. Hopefully, there would be no McGregor at left-back in this tie. Ryan Christie could feature as the attacking midfielder.
Mohamed Elyounoussi is yet to hit his stride, but he should be fresh after playing no part in the Hibs game. So we expect him to start on the left flank. James Forrest has looked a bit off the pace in recent matches, but he continues to be a crucial player for the Hoops. The Scotsman should occupy the right-wing spot.
Attack
Lennon will be glad that to see Griffiths become available especially after Issouf Bayo’s suspension. The line though is going to be led by Odsonne Edouard.
