After a dreadful weekend defeat against Kilmarnock, Celtic will host Feyenoord on Wednesday night in a dead rubber Champions League contest. With just one draw and four defeats, the Hoops are rock-bottom in their group. Whereas, the Dutch side are set for a Europa League run having cemented a third-place finish behind Atletico Madrid and Lazio.
Although there is nothing to play for at Parkhead, Celtic must fight for their pride after another abysmal European campaign. Nine men Hoops suffered a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, but a disciplined and resilient display could salvage a result before locking horns with Hearts in their upcoming Premiership fixture.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Feyenoord
Defence
Despite conceding 14 goals in 5 European outings, Joe Hart should retain his ‘number 1’ status ahead of Scott Bain and the young academy prospect Joe Morrison.
Nat Phillips had an opportunity to shine when he got the nod against Killie amid the injury absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers. Although the Liverpool loanee failed miserably in the heart of the backline, the uncertainty over the USMNT international’s availability could see him retain his place alongside Liam Scales. Greg Taylor had a difficult time at Rugby Park and his minutes must be managed carefully to avoid further fitness setbacks. Anthony Ralston could slot in as a makeshift left-back with Alistair Johnston operating from the right as he has done so far since replacing Josip Juranovic in winter.
Midfield
Brendan Rodgers has tried out many combinations in midfield since Reo Hatate’s injury. Tomoki Iwata, Odin Thiago Holm, David Turnbull and Paulo Bernardo – all have been slotted in the centre of the pitch. However, the impact and finesse of the Japanese ace could not be emulated even after deploying skipper Callum McGregor as a ‘number 8’. The Scotsman should be restored as a deep-lying playmaker in place of Iwata as the latter is likely to make way for Bernardo in the starting XI. Matt O’Riley remains irreplaceable for his high work ethic, goal-scoring ability, box-to-box movement and creative spark.
Attack
Injuries to Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda leave Rodgers with little depth as well as quality down the right-hand flank. Yang Hyun-Jun has failed to impress and the gaffer, therefore, has relied on forgotten Mikey Johnston in recent games. James Forrest would continue as the understudy to Luis Palma, but the ‘number 9’ spot could see a change with Kyogo Furuhashi tipped to return replacing Oh Hyeon-gyu.
