Celtic vs Sparta Prague: Team news, predicted line-up and more

Celtic’s preparations for next season are already underway. The Bhoys are currently taking part in an eight-day training camp in Austria. Last season, they won a historic double treble and the bar for this season is already set. To deal with greater challenges and push for European glory, Brendan Rodgers’ side have already returned for pre-season training ahead of gruelling summer qualifiers.

The Hoops will play Czech side Sparta Prague at the Stallinger Financial Planning Arena after losing to Bohemians in a 1-0 defeat on Saturday. Rodgers must utilize this game to get his squad up to speed as they face Alashkert FC in 10 days for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Where and when

City: Rohrbach

Venue: Stallinger Financial Planning Arena

Date: Tuesday, July 3

Kick-off: 4.30pm.

TV Channel

All the club’s pre-season friendlies’ exclusive rights are retained by Celtic TV.

Team News and Predicted Line-up

Players who were called up by their national teams for World Cup duties in Russia will play no part here. They include; Cristian Gamboa, Mikael Lustig, Tom Rogic and Dedryck Boyata. Jonny Hayes is also likely to miss the match after limping off during the defeat to Bohemians.

Hence, Rodgers is likely to play each half with a different set of players as he works them to peak fitness.

Celtic (3-4-2-1): Gordon (GK), Hendry, Ajer, Tierney, Forrest, Brown, McGregor, Allan, Christie, Sinclair, Griffiths

Subs: Bain, Hazard, Doohan, Simunovic, Edouard, Ntcham, Compper, Ralston, Miller, Johnston, Kouassi, McInroy, Welsh, Aitchison, Hendry, Henderson

If Celtic reach the UEFA Champions League group stage, they would have to play eight matches in eight weeks. Qualification would also guarantee a €40million windfall at Celtic Park.

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Key Dates

June 19 – Draw for first and second qualifying rounds

July 10 – First qualifying round – Alashkert FC vs Celtic

July 18 –First qualifying round – Celtic vs Alashkert FC

July 23 – Draw for the third qualifying round

July 24/25 – Second qualifying round – first leg

July 31/1 – Second qualifying round – second leg

Aug 6 – Draw for the play-off round

Aug 7/8 – Third qualifying round – first leg

Aug 14 – Third qualifying round – second leg

Aug 21/22 – Play-off round – first leg

Aug 28/29 – Play-off round – second leg

Aug 30 – Champions League group stage draw