Celtic predicted XI vs AEK Athens: Who will start for the Hoops?

Last Wednesday, Celtic drew 1-1 at home against Greek opponents AEK Athens, in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The result left the tie evenly poised ahead of a trip to Olympic Stadium in Athens.

Brendan Rodgers’s side faces a tricky situation away from Parkhead. The Scottish Champions should either register a win or secure a draw with more than 2 goals to qualify to the next round.

Given their recent two results in away games, the Bhoys must fire on all cylinders to navigate past this match. Celtic drew 0-0 away to Norwegian side Rosenborg in the European stage, going through due to a 3-1 win about a week earlier.

In the Premiership, the defending champions fell to a shock 1-0 away defeat to Hearts of Midlothian. This could be attributed to Celtic heading into this game with one eye on Tuesday’s all-important tie.

Here, we look at how the Hoops could line up against AEK Athens.

Celtic Predicted Lineup vs AEK Athens

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Craig Gordon (GK)

The experienced 35-year-old keeper should retain his position between the sticks. Gordon must be at his best as the Hoops have conceded in four of their last five games in all competitions.

Mikael Lustig (RB)

Lustig has become a mainstay for Celtic at the back and he could cause the opposition problems while attacking.

Kristoffer Ajer (CB)

The Norwegian should start at the heart of Celtic’s defence. Ajer heads into this game on a yellow card from the first lead and he must avoid another booking at all costs.

Jack Hendry (CB)

Rodgers is yet to find a lasting partnership at the back but Jack Hendry could be a long-term solution for this role.

Kieran Tierney (LB)

Tierney should receive another shot to showcase his abilities on an important night for Celtic.

Scott Brown (CM)

Club captain Scott Brown could feature as the anchorman, providing cover to the centre-backs behind him. He will be tasked with breaking opposition attacks and starting counter-attacks from deep.

Callum McGregor (CM)

McGregor scored Celtic’s only goal in the home tie and he must replicate his goalscoring abilities here. He should marshal the centre of the park while feeding the ball to more attack-minded players further up the pitch.

Leigh Griffiths (CM)

Griffiths could receive a start behind Odsonne Edouard as the central attacking midfielder.

Tom Rogic (RW)

Using his excellent ball-control and technical abilities, Rogic could wreak havoc upon the opposition. He can also shift in-game to take up a more central position.

Scott Sinclair (LW)

Sinclair could get the nod to partner with Tierney and deliver crosses from the left. Often utilizing direct runs and dribbles to get past opposition players, he could be vital to breaking down a stubborn AEK Athens defence.

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Odsonne Edouard (CF)

The summer arrival must start up front and get his name on the score sheet to help his side qualify.