Predicted Celtic XI to face RB Leipzig: Who should start?
Celtic will travel to Germany this week as they gear up to take on Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig at Red Bull Arena on Thursday night.
Celtic sit third in Group B after two games, having won and lost one game apiece. Their last European assignment ended in a 3-1 defeat against RB Salzburg. However, Brendan Rodgers’ men have won their subsequent fixtures in the Scottish Premiership in impressive fashion, thrashing St. Johnstone 6-0 and beating Hibernian 4-2 this past weekend.
The Hoops must now aim to translate that form into the continental competition against the group leaders if they are to climb up the ladder and stay in the hunt for qualifying to the next stages.
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Captain Scott Brown picked up an injury in the victory against Hibernian FC and is a major doubt for the European assignment. Defender Kristoffer Ajer remains sidelined for the Hoops, while Nir Bitton is a long-term absentee.
Leigh Griffiths missed the last game but could be fit and available for selection. However, James Forrest is suspended after his sending off against RB Salzburg in the last game.
Here’s how the reigning champions of Scotland could be lining up at the Red Bull Arena this midweek;
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 3-5-1-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran Scotland international is the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for the Hoops and should hold on to his spot in the starting XI for Thursday.
Mikael Lustig (CB)
The Swedish full-back has been extensively used as the right-sided centre-half in the three-man backline by Rodgers in recent matches and that is unlikely to change this week.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
Belgian international Dedryck Boyata has once again established himself as the mainstay at the back for Celtic, after having tried to force through a move away in the summer. A definite starter in the heart of the defence.
Filip Benkovic (CB)
On-loan Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic is expected to hold on to his spot as the third centre-back for the Bhoys’ trip to Germany on Thursday.
Cristian Gamboa (RWB)
With James Forrest out with a suspension, Costa Rican full-back Cristian Gamboa is expected to come into the starting XI as the right-sided wing-back.
Olivier Ntcham (CM)
The French midfielder was on the scoresheet in Celtic’s victory over the Hibs this past weekend. Should be an automatic choice in the middle of the park.
Youssouf Mulumbu (CM)
With club captain Scott Brown a major doubt for the game due to injury, summer signing Youssouf Mulumbu is likely to be called into fill in the vacancy.
Callum McGregor (CM)
The Scotland international has been in fine form for the Hoops and must look to lead them to a victory on Thursday, starting in the middle of the park.
Kieran Tierney (LWB)
An ever present in the starting XI for the Scottish champions, youngster Kieran Tierney should occupy the left wing-back slot for them at the Red Bull Arena.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
The Australian attacking midfielder scored the opener for the Bhoys against the Hibs this past week. Should continue to be deployed in the No.10 role as he has the ability to split open defences.
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Odsonne Edouard (ST)
Odsonne Edouard should once again spearhead the attack for Celtic. The Frenchman scored against Salzburg last time out in Europe and bagged a double at the weekend. Must look to carry that form into the all-important tie against RB Leipzig.
