Celtic will resume their European quest as they look to march ahead into the Champions League group stages.
After a spotless campaign so far, they will have to deal with their sternest test yet in the form of Romanian champions, CFR Cluj.
Petrescu’s side has also been in decent form having enjoyed home wins against Astana and Maccabi Haifa and will come hard at the buccaneering Scottish champions.
TEAM NEWS
Hatem Abd Elhamed has been passed fit by the manager in his pre-match press conference. Christopher Jullien is also available as his suspension is restricted to domestic football.
PREDICTED CELTIC LINEUP vs CFR CLUJ (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Scott Bain is likely to continue in goal and having picked up two consecutive clean sheets at home, will be looking to continue that momentum.
Hatem Abd Elhamed has been passed fit by Lennon and he will start at right-back.
We expect a change in central defence with new boy Christopher Jullien coming back into action alongside one of Nir Bitton or Kristoffer Ajer, though we expect the latter to be starting.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo is improving with each passing game and was balanced in his outing vs St.Johnstone. He will line up at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Given the magnitude of the fixture, Lennon will refrain from any experimentation. Hence, another outing for the duo of Callum McGregor and Scott Brown is in store.
Ryan Christie notched up a sublime hattrick against the Saints and will be the main creative force against the Romanians. He will start in the No.10 role and will look to carry on his scintillating form.
ATTACK
James Forrest hasn’t gotten in on the act yet and tomorrow will be another opportunity for him to do so. He will start on the right and will look to get his first goal of the season.
We expect Mikey Johnston to keep his spot on the left flank. He has been exemplary this season and could turn out to be a vital cog in the Celtic machine this season.
Odsonne Edouard has edged ahead in the race to be the first choice striker but given both him and Leigh Griffiths have scored two goals each, the latter can be deemed a safe bet to lead the line tomorrow with Edouard coming back into the team for the weekend fixture.
