Celtic have been pretty patchy so far this season but will be buoyed by back to back wins in the Premiership ahead of their trip to the Red Bull Arena to face RB Salzburg. Celtic started their Europa League campaign with a win over Rosenborg and will be keen on picking up a point or three from their trip to Austria.
However, the Austrian outfit are no pushovers. They are on a fantastic run, having won their first nine league games of the season and surprised RB Leipzig in their opening game of the Europa League campaign.
Brendan Rodgers’ troops need to play their best game to bag all three points.
Celtic Team News
Attacker Odsonne Edouard is doubtful for the clash after he limped off the pitch against Aberdeen at the weekend. While Marvin Compper is back in training, Rodgers will be without the services of Jozo Simunovic, Filip Benkovic, Nir Bitton and Kristoffer Ajer.
Predicted Celtic lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon is set to feature in goal once again. The Scottish custodian has kept seven clean sheets in the last eight outings and deserves to start. Rodgers should stick with a four-man defence.
Jack Hendry and Dedryck Boyata are likely to start in the central defence. Both the centre-backs have been decent so far this season. Taking on an in-form Salzburg team will be by far their biggest test of the season so far.
Down the left, Kieran Tierney should start once again while Mikael Lustig could start as the right-back.
Midfield
Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham are likely to start in midfield to keep things neat and tidy. While Brown is expected to sit deep, Ntcham will most probably have the license to maraud forward occasionally. Brown mustered one tackle, interception and block against Rosenborg but also committed the most number of fouls on the pitch, something he can’t afford to do against Salzburg.
Tom Rogic is best suited for the central attacking midfielder’s role. The Australian international has the required vision, awareness and creative prowess to make his presence felt in the final third.
Attack
Leigh Griffiths scored the solitary goal against Rosenborg last time and should start up front. James Forest and Callum McGregor will provide the width. Considering Salzburg are likely to see a lot of the ball, the two wide players will have to be efficient on the break as they will not get too many chances.
