Celtic will be facing Rosenborg in the Champions League second leg of the third qualifying round in what could prove to be a tricky test for the Scottish Champions. The first leg was goalless as both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the stipulated time and this time the onus will be on the visiting side who know a win would seal a place in the Champions League playoffs.
Archrivals Rangers have failed to make it count in the Europa League and keeping that in mind, Brendan Rodgers needs to put some extra effort to grind out a positive result.
Celtic recently hammered Sunderland 5-0 in a pre-season friendly and they would be hoping to carry forward their form into the next game. After missing the first leg of the qualification, Leigh Griffiths is expected to make his return and Rodgers would be delighted to have him back in the squad.
Hoops are favourites to triumph in this battle but the absence of Moussa Dembele will be felt heavily. The youngster didn’t feature in the last leg and won’t play in this game also.
Predicted 4-1-4-1 Celtic lineup Against Rosenborg
Defence
Craig Gordon had a wonderful season for the Hoops as he has maintained his consistency through out the season. The home side wasted a number of gilt edged chances in the last match and the 34-year-old needs to be at his best to thwart any kind of danger this time around.
Rodgers is expected not to tweak his backline too much. 19-year-old Kristoffer Ajer has shown promise in the defence and is expected to marshal the backline. He will be accompanied by Jozo Simunovic.
Mikael Lustig will have the huge responsibility to guard the right side of the defence while Kieran Tierney will be on the opposite side.
Midfield
Scott Brown will be at the base of the midfield to provide the backline with an extra shield of protection.
Stuart Armstrong and Scott Sinclair will be further up in the midfield. They will try to bring the other attackers into the game and need to ensure there won’t be a dearth of supply of quality balls.
Attack
Johny Hayes didn’t start the last match but is expected to get a call up to the starting lineup. he will start on the right flank.
James Forrest will be the preferred choice on the left wing.
Leigh Griffiths missed the last match but he is likely to spearhead the Hoops’ attack.
