Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Anderlecht In The Champions League
Celtic will hope to get their UEFA Champions League campaign up and running when they take on Anderlecht in their second group game, away at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, on Wednesday night.
The Bhoys endured a torrid start to their European journey this season, as they were thrashed 5-0 by French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain in their opening fixture. But their form in the domestic competitions has been very good and they come into the game on the back of a 2-0 win over bitter rivals Rangers over the weekend.
Team News
Erik Sviatchenko is back in training but is unlikely to feature for the Scottish champions. Kouassi Eboue is a definite absentee for the Hoops.
Here’s how Celtic might take the field against the Belgian champions:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran stopper is the undisputed choice between the sticks for Celtic and will start on Wednesday night in Belgium.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swedish right-back featured this past weekend, and is likely to start again ahead of Anthony Ralston in the defence.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Bosnian centre-half had a solid outing against the Gers over the weekend and will want to carry on in the same vein of form against Anderlecht as well.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
The former Manchester City man made his return from injury last midweek and has started the Hoops’ last two games. Should once again feature from the start.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The 20-year old Scotsman is one of the most highly rated young left-backs in the game right now and will keep his slot in the Celtic line-up.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain is the most influential player on the field for the Bhoys and is a definite starter for Rodgers’ side against Anderlecht.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The summer acquisition from Manchester City has impressed since his arrival and is likely to partner Brown in the middle of the park, ahead of Stuart Armstrong.
Patrick Roberts (RW)
The loanee from Manchester City has hit the ground running in his second stint with the Hoops. Is likely to keep James Forrest on the bench again on Wednesday.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
The 24-year old has scored 4 times and assisted thrice so far, but hasn’t started the last four games for Celtic. Should get the nod on Wednesday night.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
The Englishman will take his deserved spot on the left-hand side of the Celtic attack and look to cause problems with his piercing runs.
Leigh Griffiths (ST)
The Scottish international scored against Rangers and is likely to keep the starting spot for himself, ahead of Moussa Dembele.