Scottish giants Celtic are due to make a trip to Astana Arena tomorrow to face Kazakhstan based outfit FC Astana in the second leg of the Champions League play-off stage. The Celts registered a thumping 5-0 win at Celtic Park in the first leg and impliedly, they are going to enter into their next outing as the firm favourites to clinch a spot in the group stages.
A brace from Scott Sinclair, a couple of own goals from the visitors and a goal from James Forrest have put the Glasgow giants in a really strong position. Brendan Rodgers’ men have carved an excellent start to the new campaign, having won five games on the trot. They will be keen to continue their fine run of form in the upcoming games, and we can expect a crunchy fixture tomorrow.
Here is our Celtic’s predicted 4-3-2-1 line-up for their trip to Kazakhstan:
Defence
As a custodian, we expect Craig Gordon to start under the bar for the Hoops. He hasn’t had much to do this season owing to the resistance which Rodgers’ backline offers, but he is seemingly likely to be tested by the Blue and Yellows.
Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata are still out and thus, at the heart of Celtic’s defence, we anticipate the pair of Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic to get the call from the former Liverpool boss to start. Ajer put forth a resounding display against Kilmarnock last weekend and should get a start in the upcoming game as well.
Mikael Lustig is seemingly likely to start from the right-back slot, with Christian Gamboa still sidelined. On the left-back position, Kieran Tierney is all set to start.
Midfield
The pair of Scott Brown and Stuart Armstrong should be finding themselves being pencilled in the central midfield and they would be entrusted with the responsibility of not only cushioning the backline but to also push the game forward. Meanwhile, Eboue Kouassi is still out with Malleolar injury.
As the no. 10 against Stanimir Stoilov’s side, Tom Rogic should be given the nod to start.
Attack
What has been particularly fascinating to see from the Bhoys so far this season has been the manner in which striker Leigh Griffiths has ensured that Celtic’s injured poacher in the shape of Moussa Dembele, who is out until mid September, isn’t missed.
Griffiths is likely to lead the line with Scott Sinclair on the left-wing and James Forrest on the right-wing to ensure that the visitors venture into the game with a strong offensive arsenal.
Here is how they might lineup:
