How could Celtic line up against Bayern Munich?
Scott Brown was rested entirely while Moussa Dembele, Stuart Armstrong and Scott Sinclair were reduced to substitute appearances. Dedryck Boyata and Callum McGregor were unused subs.
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Hide AdThere was a start for youngster Michael Johnston on the left of the attacking midfield trio while Kouassi Eboue started alongside Olivier Ntcham in defensive midfield.
With Patrick Roberts ruled out through injury and a lack of options at the back, here’s how we think Celtic will line up against the Germans this evening...
GK: Craig Gordon
No surprises here, the Scotland international has made the No. 1 slot his own. Looked suspect for a couple of the goals in Munich but has the ability to pull off spectacular and important saves when needed.
RB: Mikael Lustig
After Cristian Gamboa endured an evening to forget against David Alaba and Kingsley Coman in Munich, Rodgers will almost certainly deploy the Swede at right back. While Gamboa’s pace can be an asset, Lustig’s no-nonsense defending and goal threat from set-pieces will be invaluable.
CB: Nir Bitton
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Hide AdHe’s not a natural centre half, but the Israeli will likely start ahead of Kristoffer Ajer at the back. He performed well under pressure in Rosenborg and will be expected to do likewise tonight, although he’ll surely be slightly relieved at not having to face Robert Lewandowski or Thomas Muller.
CB: Dedryck Boyata
As Celtic’s sole fit centre back, Boyata will be expected to help Bitton through what could be a tough 90 minutes.
LB: Kieran Tierney
Underperformed slightly in Munich but should relish being back at Celtic Park on another European night. His contract extension, keeping him at Celtic until 2023 will give him a boost and he’ll be eager to impress.
DM: Scott Brown
The captain was rested entirely at the weekend to prepare him for a tough 90 minutes against Bayern, so he’ll be fresh and champing at the bit to get going. Celtic missed him dictating the tempo at the Allianz Arena earlier this month.
DM: Stuart Armstrong
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Hide AdRestricted to a second half substitute appearance at the weekend and along with Brown, will be in for a busy night in front of the back four.
RAM: James Forrest
With Patrick Roberts ruled out, Forrest will almost certainly start on the right of the attacking midfield trio. The on-loan Manchester City youngster drew praise from the German media for his efforts in Munich so Forrest will be looking to go one better on home turf this evening.
CAM: Tom Rogic
The Australian international was a stand-out performer in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen last mid-week, and he played the full 90 at the weekend in the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock. Questions have been asked about his stamina but his quality and clever use of the ball makes up for it.
LAM: Scott Sinclair
Started on the bench on Saturday but called into action early following the injury to Roberts, Sinclair will take up his usual spot on the left of the attacking midfield trio, providing an additional goal threat for the Hoops.
ST: Moussa Dembele
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Hide AdThe Frenchman appears to be rediscovering the form that saw him linked with £40 million moves to the biggest clubs in the world. Scored a double against Hibs in the Betfred Cup semi final and notched another brace against Aberdeen the following Wednesday. Had a quieter game on Saturday but should get the nod ahead of Griffiths - despite the Scot’s goal against Killie - and will be raring to go following his inclusion in the provisional France senior squad.
Subs: Dorus de Vries, Kristoffer Ajer, Kouassi Eboue, Olivier Ntcham, Callum McGregor, Leigh Griffiths, Odsonne Edouard.