Celtic take on Atletico Madrid in a crucial Champions League tie on Wednesday evening. The Hoops need a result from the match to have any hope of European progression.
Following a thumping 4-1 victory away at Hearts, spirits are high within the Hoops’ camp and ahead of the game, we give you a predicted lineup.
Goalkeeper and Defence
It is certain that Joe Hart will get the nod between the sticks. In front of him, Alistair Johnston will continue at right-back with Greg Taylor opposite him at left-back.
At the heart of the defence will be Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The Irishman has been formidable of late and it seems as though he and Carter-Vickers are beginning to develop a congenial partnership having started the last two games together.
Midfield
Callum McGregor will captain the team at the heart of midfield. There is an argument to hand Tomoki Iwata a start after his impressive cameo against Hearts and the defensive-mindedness and press resistance he would offer here, but Brendan Rodgers will in all likelihood re-instill Reo Hatate to the lineup.
Matt O’Riley, who has been Celtic’s player of the season so far, will definitely start as he aims to build upon the Champions League assist he got against Lazio.
Attack
At the minute, the champions’ front three is non-negotiable. Kyogo will play through the middle and on the left, Luis Palma will get the nod with Daizen Maeda playing on the right.
Rodgers will have a wealth of strength on the bench, too, with men such as Oh, Yang, Paulo Bernardo, and Nat Phillips all able to come on and contribute.
Arguably, we are beginning to see what Celtic’s strongest starting eleven looks like. Key players such as Kyogo and O’Riley seem to be hitting form at the correct time which is also a huge positive.
It will be hoped these bhoys can carry their weekend actions into Wednesday and aid their team in getting a result. An arduous task lies in wait for the Celts, but it is in no way an impossible mountain to climb.
