Premiership giants Celtic will be looking to progress into the next round of this season’s UEFA Europa League when they visit Sarajevo this midweek. Neil Lennon’s men are coming into this tie on the back of a 3-0 win against Hibernian in the league last weekend. Despite not getting off to the best of starts, goals from Callum McGregor, Albian Ajeti and Mohamed Elyounoussi were enough to given the Celts all three points. Jeremie Frimpong was, far and away, the best player on the pitch during that match though.
With just a point separating them from the top of the league table, the Hoops are sure to be eager to keep their winning run going. As important as it is for them to win their 10th straight league title, progress in Europe is sure to be a high-value target as well. Having won the match against Riga midway through last week thanks to a late goal by Elyounoussi, Neil Lennon’s men will want to put things to bed in a much more comfortable fashion against Sarajevo. Whether they’re able to get over the line on Thursday evening, remains to be seen.
Team News
One of the biggest injury concerns for Lennon going into this all-important fixture will be that of Albian Ajeti. The Swiss striker has been in good form over recent weeks, but his injury against Hibernian in midweek is sure to keep him out of contention for this European trip. Odsonne Edouard is the one who replaced him on that day, which means that Lennon now has a decision on his hands. Leigh Griffiths also made his way back into the Celtic roster for that tie and could follow suit once again on Thursday.
Here Is The Predicted 3-5-2 Celtic Lineup Vs Sarajevo:
Predicted 3-5-2 Celtic Lineup Vs Sarajevo
Defence
Vasilis Barkas was brought in during the summer window to take over from Scott Bain as the first-choice keeper at the club. Despite some early signs of positivity, questions have been asked about the Greek keeper’s talents. Despite this, expect the former AEK Athens man to retain his place in between the sticks. Lennon is also likely to continue with the same three-man back-line that has been doing a job for him over recent fixtures. Shane Duffy is going to take up the central role, with Kristoffer Ajer and Nir Bitton on either side of him.
Midfield
Playing five across midfield is not every team’s cup of tea, but it’s something that has worked flawlessly for Celtic. Despite being a flat-five on paper, there are actually several positional changes involved in this formation. The wing-back roles, as expected, are taken up by Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong. The Celts’ skipper – Scott Brown, is sure to start as the central figure in the team. Not only is he supposed to be the loudest voice, but he also provides some much-needed defensive cover. Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie could take up the two slots alongside the captain.
Attack
With Albian Ajeti seemingly unavailable for this fixture against Sarajevo, Neil Lennon will be forced to bring Odsonne Edouard back into the team for this tie. Despite the Frenchman’s struggles over recent weeks, there no denying that obvious quality that he possesses. Alongside him, expect to see Southampton loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi making his way into the team. The trickster netted his team’s third goal last weekend after he scored the late winner in the game against Riga in the last round of this competition as well.
