Edouard and Dembele to lead the line – Strongest 3-5-2 Celtic XI to face Alashkert UCL qualifiers

Predicted Celtic line-up for Champions League qualifying game against Alashkert

Celtic begin their Champions League qualifying campaign against Armenian champions Alashkert on July 10.

The Hoops, who warmed up for the game with a 7-0 win over Shamrock Rovers, will have to navigate their way through four two-legged ties for a place in the Champions League.

Domestic title winners for the past three seasons, Alashkert will pose a quality challenge for the Scottish giants over the two legs.

Brendan Rodgers will look to avoid a slip like the one against Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar, two seasons ago.

Probable Celtic XI

Manager: Brendan Rodgers

Formation: 3-5-2

Craig Gordon (GK)

Craig Gordon looked sharp in the friendly rout against Shamrock Rovers and should be in goal for the Champions League game.

Jack Hendry (RCB)

Hendry joined Celtic in January from Dundee United but couldn’t make the desired impact this past season. However, Hendry should keep things behind and focus putting in a strong shift against the Armenian giants.

Jozo Simunovic (CB)

Simunovic was highly inconsistent for Celtic last season as he made a lot of errors in central defence. With Dedryck Boyata at the World Cup, Simunovic is likely to partner Ajer in central defence.

Kristoffer Ajer (LCB)

The Norwegian youngster was one of the biggest positives of the season for the Scottish Champions this past season. After a strong campaign, Ajer will look to improve more for the Bhoys this term.

James Forrest (RWB)

The Scottish international went missing in the second half of last season after a blistering start. Forrest should get back to his goalscoring best next season as Rodgers aims to get past Alashkert.

Kieran Tierney (LWB)

Fast, lively and dynamic, Tierney could be a constant menace for the Alashkert defenders. The Scottish youngster will have a bigger role to play this time around for Celtic.

Scott Brown (CM)

Skipper Scott Brown was subbed at half-time in the 7-0 thrashing of Shamrock Rovers but is expected to be fit in time to face Alashkert.

Oliver Ntcham (CM)

Ntcham was a crucial cog in Celtic’s title-winning team last season. He is expected to partner Brown in central midfield.

Callum McGregor (CAM)

McGregor has established himself as an important member of Rodgers’ team. He scored two in the 7-0 win over Shamrock and destroyed the team with his crisp passing and intelligent movement. McGregor will be a real weapon for Celtic against Alashkert.

Odsonne Edouard (LS)

Edouard scored two in the 7-0 thrashing of Shamrock Rovers and is a sure starter against the Armenian club.

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Moussa Dembele (RS)

Partnering Edouard up front should be Moussa Dembele, who also netted a goal in the friendly. Dembele and Edouard were fantastic in Dublin and the duo has the ability to rip apart Alashkert’s defence.