Celtic Park is primed for another iconic European night as the Hoops welcome Club Brugge to Glasgow. The Belgian side arrive with their own ambitions, but Brendan Rodgers’ men will be determined to make their home advantage count under the Paradise lights.
Celtic’s depth undoubtedly provides options, with Brendan Rodgers making it clear that even if you’re on the bench, you could be pivotal throughout the night as the game wears on.
Brugge, known for their pace and technical ability, will demand a disciplined performance from Celtic, particularly in the defensive and midfield areas. The Hoops, meanwhile, will be keen to unleash their attacking firepower and take control of the match as early as possible.
The Hoops have two wins out of two at home in the Champions League this season; a third will require a massive effort.
The Celtic starting XI picks itself for most games unless the manager wants to rotate because the sheer number of fixtures dictates some players need to be rested. Tonight isn’t one of those nights and here is your starting XI.
Celtic Starting XI vs Brugge: As Engels and Kyogo Start
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Here’s how we line up for Matchday 5! 🔢
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Kasper Schmeichel continues in goal, bringing leadership and reliability to the defence, while Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Greg Taylor form a solid backline.
In midfield, Callum McGregor anchors the midfield as captain, alongside Reo Hatate and club-record signing Arne Engels, who will have something to prove against the Belgian side where he came through the youth ranks but never made an appearance for Brugge in the Belgian top flight.
Kühn and Daizen Maeda provide pace and creativity, while Kyogo Furuhashi leads the line with his goal scoring ability crucial on nights like this.
With two big calls ahead of the game, Engels over Bernardo highlights Rodgers’ appreciation for Engels’ performances against RB Leipzig and Slovan Bratislava at home in the Champions League.
However, the Belgian failed to impress against Hearts at the weekend, so the Irishman has gone with the tried and tested over recent form, with Bernardo playing out of his skin off the bench this season.
Kyogo over Idah is more straightforward. With a brace off the bench at the weekend, the Irish striker left room for doubt.
However, Kyogo has been favoured at home in the Champions League, and with the opening goal against Hearts, it seemed unlikely he would be benched, despite Idah’s impressive cameo.
The scene is set, and Paradise is ready to roar, with kickoff at 8pm.
The game will be live on TNT Sports 3.
