Celtic’s performances have been very contrasting in Europe to that in the domestic league. While in the Scottish Premier League they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure has seen them struggle in front of the European powerhouses.
Celtic have won seven and drawn two in the league and remain unbeaten so far this season. However, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy defeat drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain.
The French outfit unleashed the likes of Neymar and Mbappe on the Scottish champions and Celtic were handed a 5-0 thrashing on their opening Champions League night. They bounced back in the next match against Anderlecht with a 3-0 win but Brendan Rodger’s men were again found wanting against Bayern Munich and eventually lost 3-0 in the midweek clash. They will, however, look to clinch the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Rogers seems to have conceded the top two spots in the Champions League group table and instead wants to shift his focus on retaining the Scottish League title and winning the domestic Scottish League Cup. It was evident from the team he set up against Bayern in midweek. It was clear that Rogers was not exactly hoping for a win and rather wanted to rest his star players like Rogic and Dembele for the important semi-final clash against Hibernian.
Here is how they will look to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Defence
Craig Gordon is likely to feature in goal for the Hoops again for the Hoops in a match where they will be hoping to pick up all three points. The defensive four for Celtic is likely to be Kieran Tierney at left back with Mikael Lustig moving back to right back. Dedryck Boyata is likely to be partnered with Nir Bitton with the Israeli defensive midfielder playing as a makeshift centre back. Bitton was on the bench for the midweek clash.
Midfield
The two-man midfield axis is likely to be made of Callum McGregor alongside Celtic’s star midfielder Scott Brown with Olivier Ntcham returning to the bench. The three players in front of them will probably be Scott Sinclair on the left wing, Tom Rogic returning from international duty will play at the centre again replacing Stuart Armstrong who started the midweek clash against Bayern Munich and Patrick Roberts likely to operate on the right flank.
Attack
Moussa Dembele is expected to return to the starting eleven to lead the line for the Hoops replacing Leigh Griffiths. Here is how they might line up:
