Predicted Celtic line-up to face Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League
Celtic will aim to finish their Europa League group campaign with victory over RB Salzburg on Thursday.
The Hoops put themselves in pole position to claim second spot with a 1-0 victory over Rosenborg. And now the Scottish champions need just a point to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
A draw or a victory will be great for Celtic, but they will have their work cut out against a Salzburg side that has won all five of its Group B matches.
Team News
Dedryck Boyata could miss the crucial game against Red Bull Salzburg with a hamstring injury. But Kieran Tierney will be available for the European clash after missing the Kilmarnock victory with a slight groin problem.
Meanwhile, Eboue Kouassi and Daniel Arzani have been ruled out for the season.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
Gordon is the first-choice in goal for Rodgers and should start the crucial game on Thursday against Red Bull Salzburg.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
Lustig’s performances have been decent in the last few weeks for Celtic. He is set to retain his place in the team.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
Simunovic has to be at the top of his game to keep Salzburg’s in-form striker Moanes Dabour at bay on Thursday.
Filip Benkovic (CB)
Benkovic has been brilliant at the heart of the Celtic defence and deserves to start against Salzburg.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
Tierney is an attacking left-back who will try to test the Salzburg defence every time he gets a chance. A certain starter.
Scott Brown (CM)
For such a big game, experience will be key and Scott Brown should provide exactly that. A combative midfielder, he’ll have to lead the team from the front against Salzburg.
Callum McGregor (CM)
McGregor has been excellent in central midfield, showing his creativity and vision to split open the opposition.
Ryan Christie (LW)
Christie is Celtic’s in-form player and based on his current form, he simply cannot be dropped. A definite starter for the Europa League game.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
A big game player, Rogic’s creativity would be required to unlock Salzburg’s rearguard on Thursday.
James Forrest (RW)
With his explosive pace, movement and unpredictability, Forrest could give the Salzburg defenders a torrid time at Celtic Park.
Read more: Ideal replacement for Boyata? – Reigniting interest in this 25-year-old Bosnian would solve Celtic’s defensive woes
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
Edouard could again get the nod ahead of Griffiths to lead Celtic’s attack. The Frenchman will look to get on the score-sheet and guide the Hoops to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
