Reigning Scottish Premiership champions Celtic will start their Europa League campaign tonight when they host Norwegian side Rosenborg BK at Celtic Park. The Celtic were frustrated after their goalless draw with St Mirren on Saturday and will be itching to start their European journey on a winning note.
This is the third time this season that Celtic are facing Rosenborg as both the sides met in the Champions League qualifiers.
Over the two legs, Brendan Rodgers’ side got the better of Rini Coolen’s men and will enter the upcoming fixture as firm favourites.
Celtic Team News
Marvin Compper and Jack Hendry are back in training after their groin and ankle injury, respectively. While Nir Bitton is out with a knee injury, Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer won’t be available either.
PREDICTED CELTIC LINE-UP (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon is Celtic’s undisputed first-choice custodian and he is set to start between the sticks once again. Dedryck Boyata will start at the back and he could be paired up with Filip Benkovic who was signed on loan from Leicester City.
Mikael Lustig was on the bench against St Mirren but he is likely to start in the right-back slot. Kieran Tierney is one of the first names on the team-sheet and he is expected to keep his place on the left.
Midfield
Scott Brown is likely to start in the central midfield and Rodgers will want his side’s skipper to step up on the big European night. He has to anchor the midfield, dictate the tempo of the game and to protect the back line.
Alongside Brown, we expect Olivier Ntcham to start to offer steel to Celtic’s midfield. Ntcham was sent off this past weekend and he’ll have to come up with a better display.
Australian international Tom Rogic might get the nod to start as the central attacking midfielder. Rogic has been poor in the recent outings but a good performance in the European competition could boost his confidence.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths might be the one starting up top instead of Odsonne Edouard. Callum McGregor’s creative prowess should see him start on the left wing.
James Forrest offers jaw-dropping pace on the right flank and he does have the ability to stretch defences. His dribbling skills and ability to put in testing crosses will come in handy against Rosenborg.
Griffiths
McGregor – Rogic – Forrest
Ntcham – Brown
Tierney – Benkovic – Boyata – Lustig
Gordon