With what is sure to be the first in a string of electrifying European nights this season at Celtic Park on Tuesday, Rodgers faces the decision of selecting the starting lineup with the best chance of taking points from big spenders, PSG. Â
Assuming Rodgers lines up his typical 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper
Craig Gordon is a certainty to start. Â Despite the occasional shaky moment in recent times, he has proven himself to be our strongest option and his affinity with the fans is unwavering.
Right-back
Mikael Lustig will be favourite to line up here. Â Inexperienced Ralston has been extremely promising in his recent appearances in the first team; however, the experienced Swede is a rock at the back, and many fans will be gunning for Lustig vs. Neymar Round 2. Â The only reason Rodgers would opt for someone else in this position would be if he were to prefer playing Lustig at centre-back.
Left-back
A complete no brainer. Kieran Tierney, the young Scottish internationalist which every Celtic fan has taken to heart since his debut for the club under Ronny Deila. Â He will be looking to continue his development with a committed defensive performance opposite PSG.
Centre-backs
With the current centre-back crisis continuing into this European tie, it looks as though Rodgers will not be spoilt for choice. With Jozo Simunovic getting most of the game vs. Hamilton and remaining injury free he will be a certainty to start at the back. It is possible that Rodgers will opt to play Mikael Lustig alongside Jozo, slotting promising Anthony Ralston into right back.  Otherwise, it would appear Rodgers would need to choose between shaky Nir Bitton and inexperienced Kristoffer Ajer. Unfortunately, Boyata and Sviatchenko are not fit enough to be in contention.
Central-midfielders
Especially after heaping praise on the Scottish captain, Scott Brown will be attempting to take charge of the middle of the park on Tuesday night for sure.  His partner is harder to predict, however.  After his dominating performances so far this season, many will back Olivier Ntcham to fill this gap in the midfield with his strength and quick distribution delighting Celtic fans so far this season.  Brown’s international teammate Stuart Armstrong could also fit into this position with the box-to-box midfielder becoming a bit of a fan favourite over the course of last season.  Often overlooked Callum Macgregor is also an option for Rodgers after a string of impressive performances in recent times.
Wingers
Over the course of the UCL qualifiers this season, these positions have been filled predominantly by last seasons POTY Scott Sinclair and Scotland internationalist James Forrest.  With the recent arrival of Patrick Roberts on a season long loan, it could appear that Forrest will again have competition when fighting for his place on the teamsheet.
Central-attacking-midfielderÂ
Tom Rogic and Callum Macgregor will be amongst those battling for this position on Tuesday night.  Both finding tremendous form last season under new management. Whilst Tom Rogic’s technical ability and strength may overshadow Macgregors, the Australian’s ability to last the full 90 minutes is still questionable.  Stuart Armstrong will also be fighting for this position, staking a strong claim by scoring the opener versus Hamilton. Whichever player Rodgers’ opts to play will no doubt bring their unique qualities to the position.
Striker
With Dembele still recovering from injury, it appears as though the striker role will be handed to prolific goalscorer Leigh Griffiths.  Although, the possibility of a shock start for new bhoy Odsonne Edouard should not be ruled out entirely with the young striker coming on loan from the French outfit Celtic will be facing.  The possibility of a start for Edouard may be boosted by his debut goal and overall high performance vs. Hamilton.
Predicted XI: Gordon; Lustig Simunovic Ajer Tierney; Brown Ntcham; Roberts Rogic Sinclair; Griffiths.
Do you agree with out predicted XI? Â Leave your comments below on who you think should be on Tuesday nights team sheet.
Ryan Fotheringham
I think rogic should start .Celtic are 12/1 with coral to win ? That’s a crazy price and I’ll be having 10 on it ..celtic are in brilliant form and only need to cut out any defensive mistakes tomorrow .. going forward I’d fancy our chances against anyone .. I think ntcham and Brown need to be at their best to break up play but confident they will be .. I’d start rogic because we look more dangerous when he plays and he is always good for a screamer of a goal .. I’m quietly confident we will win this game .. maybe through green tinted specs but I have a feeling .. we will need to score 3 goals to win I think though
I question whether a 4-2-3-1 will be what BR decides to deploy. I don’t see any chance it is Ajer at CH or Ralston at RB even if he does go with 4 at the back. If he goes with 4 at the back, then I figure either Bitton at CH or Lustig moved inside and Gamboa at RB. With the CH issue only likely being an issue for this single game, with Erik and Boyata due back soon, the question I ask is whether BR decides to play his “best 11” and attack. After Barcelona drubbing last fall, he was resolute in saying he made a mistake with setting up the team to defend deep. I don’t see any chance he does so at Celtic Park. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up deploying a 3-2-4-1 with the 4 being setup in a diamond. The back 3 would mirror Friday’s, Brown and Ntcham playing in deep defensive midfield, Armstrong on the back point of the diamond, Sinclair and Forrest wide and tracking back to lend wide coverage on the wings, then either Roberts or Rogic at the attacking point of the diamond right behind Griffiths. Do we want a 2nd or 3rd tier defender on the pitch over Armstrong’s pace and motor? Roberts creativity? Forrest tracking back and motor?
I think Gamboa will cone in at RB with Lustig at CB