Home » Teams » Celtic FC » [Image] Griffiths to start? Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic XI to face CFR Cluj

[Image] Griffiths to start? Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic XI to face CFR Cluj

published :

December 12, 2019

Celtic captain Scott Brown celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal at Hampden Park on November 02, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Celtic FC vs CFR Cluj prediction: Celtic FC line-up

Celtic travel to Romania to face CFR Cluj on Thursday in what is their last group stage game of the Europa League.

The Hoops have already qualified for the Europa League knockout stages and are guaranteed to finish on top of the table. Thus, there’s every chance to see Neil Lennon play the kids so that his top players stay fit and fresh for big games that are coming up.

This is the fourth time this campaign that Celtic and Cluj have met and it was a 1-1 draw in Romania the last time they met.

Team News

Celtic have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.

Scott Brown of Celtic lifts the Betfred Cup following victory in the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Hampden Park on December 08, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Getty Images) — Celtic won the Betfred Cup recently, beating Rangers in the final (Getty Images)

Probable Celtic XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Craig Gordon (GK)

With the game at Romania a dead rubber, Gordon could be handed a rare outing between the sticks.

Moritz Bauer (RB)

Frimpong is Lennon’s first-choice right-back but it could be Bauer who could start in that position on Thursday.

Christopher Jullien of Celtic reacts after Manuel Lazzari of Lazio scored his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Celtic FC and Lazio Roma at Celtic Park. (Getty Images) — Christopher Jullien of Celtic reacts after Manuel Lazzari of Lazio scored his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Celtic FC and Lazio Roma at Celtic Park. (Getty Images)

Nir Bitton (CB)

A reliable player, Bitton could start at the heart of the Hoops defence against CFR Cluj.

Christopher Jullien (CB)

Partnering Bitton could be Jullien, who scored the winner against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.

Greg Taylor (LB)

Hayes played the League Cup final despite not being fully fit, so Lennon might go with Taylor at left-back for the European clash.

Olivier Ntcham (CM)

Ntcham hasn’t been a regular starter for the Bhoys this season but he could be handed an opportunity on Thursday.

Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Tom Rogic (CM)

As Celtic are guaranteed of the top spot in the standings, Lennon could go with Rogic in central midfield.

Lewis Morgan (RW)

In Odsonne’s injury absence, Morgan did a decent job in leading Celtic’s attack but he could start on the right wing against Cluj.

Leigh Griffiths (CAM)

Griffiths was surprisingly left out of the Celtic squad for the Scottish League Cup final but he is likely to be handed a start in Romania.

Celtic winger Scott Sinclair celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Scott Sinclair (LW)

Sinclair has barely played this season due to stiff competition. However, with the Hoops having qualified for the next round, he could get a chance to impress.

More Celtic News

Mikey Johnston (ST)

The talented youngster has six goals in all competitions this season and should be trusted to lead the attack at the expense of Edouard in the final Europa League group-stage game.

Written by

Rohan Sengupta

Hi, I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7. Follow me @garrydevildada