Celtic, the champions of Scotland, had a rare troublesome week following a 1-1 draw against a ten-man AEK Athens at Celtic Park in the first leg encounter of Champions League qualifiers which was followed by a shocking 1-0 defeat to Hearts in a league tie on Saturday afternoon.
The Yellow-Blacks conquered the Greece Super League crown last season and will be a tough nut to crack in the return leg fixture at Athens Olympic Stadium. Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops boss, must uplift the spirit and motivate the Bhoys to grind out a result on the road to avoid a premature exit from Europe’s most prestigious football tournament.
The former Liverpool gaffer has opted to continue with the tools he already had at his disposal and did not make any significant summer inclusions but might face a tough title challenge this term in the Premiership following Rangers’ upsurge under Steven Gerrard who are storming past their opponents the in Europa League qualifiers.
Celtic must shake off the recent setbacks now to get their season back on track and Tuesday night’s European outing will have a big say on how the season will shape up for them.
Team News
Celtic will continue to miss veteran centre-back Marvin Compper, young wide attacker Lewis Morgan and the versatile Nir Bitton through knee injuries whereas youngster Kristoffer Ajer is suspended following two consecutive bookings.
Dedryck Boyata is also ruled out with a knee strain amid transfer speculations but Moussa Dembele, the striking sensation, might return to action from his hamstring injury and make it to the matchday squad against AEK Athens.
Celtic Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Rodgers has been experimental with his formations and options but is likely to retain the same ‘back four’ that featured against Hearts last weekend. Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney will be occupying their usual fullback roles, however, a scarcity of defensive options might force the manager to line up Jozo Simunovic and Jack Hendry in central defence.
Veteran Craig Gordon will be crucial between the sticks as they look to ensure a clean sheet in a tricky away fixture.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown should be partnered with Olivier Ntcham in central midfield who was rested against Hearts.
James Forrest is expected to return to action replacing Jonathan Hayes down the right flank whereas versatile Callum McGregor, who netted for Celtic in the first leg tie, should be deployed on the left where he has flourished spectacularly under Brendan Rodgers.
Tom Rogic, their Australian star, must be allowed to operate from a ‘number 10’ role from where he is most effective.
Attack
Although Moussa Dembele might return to action recovering from his hamstring strain before their trip to Greece, the Parkhead chief should start club-record signing Odsonne Edouard as the lone forward up front and bring on both Leigh Griffiths and Dembele off the bench to add more flair if the situation demands later in the game.
