Predicted Celtic Lineup For The Champions League Qualifier Against Linfield
Celtic will be looking to finish off the job against Northern Ireland outfit Linfield and take a step closer towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, when the two sides clash on Wednesday night at the Celtic Park, in the second leg of the second qualifying round.
The Scottish champions go into the tie with a two-goal advantage, after defeating the Northern Irish champions 2-0 earlier this month, with goals from Scott Sinclair and Tom Rogic sealing the win. If they qualify for the next qualifying round, Brendan Rodgers’ side are likely to face Irish champions Dundalk or Norwegian club Rosenborg.
Team News
Captain Scott Brown played the full 90 minutes in the first leg, despite an Achilles problem and having sat out of Saturday’s friendly against Lyon, he should be ready to go.
Full-back Cristian Gamboa is unavailable as he is currently away on international duty with Costa Rica in the Gold Cup and there may be concerns over his availability in the longer term, following his thigh injury against Canada.
Defender Dedryck Boyata is another absentee after the knee ligament injury he picked up in the pre-season friendly against Slavia Prague. He is likely to be ruled out for three months.
New signings Kundai Benyu and Olivier Ntcham may have forced themselves into the thoughts of the manager, after their impressive displays in Saturday’s friendly.
Here’s how Celtic could line up on Wednesday night.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
The experienced shot stopper is set to return to his place in the starting XI, after having sat out of the friendly in favour of Dorus De Vries.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swede was also rested for the game against Lyon, but is expected to take the field on Wednesday night, from the kick-off.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The centre-back, who recently switched his international allegiance from Croatia to Bosnia, will look to keep another shut-out against the Northern Irish club.
Erik Sviatchenko (CB)
With Boyata unavailable, it has presented Sviatchenko to stake a claim for a regular place in the side, after having lost his place in the second half of the last season. Will want to make it count.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The young left-back will start at the Parkhead against Linfield, after sitting out on Saturday against French club Lyon.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain played through an injury in the first leg and having been suitably rested, he will start the game in tip top condition and will look to provide his team the edge in the midfield.
Stuart Armstrong (CM)
Partnering the captain will be one of Celtic’s best players from last season, Stuart Armstrong. Has the ability to open up defences and can score too. Will be a danger from the middle of the park.
Jonny Hayes (RW)
The summer signing from rivals Aberdeen did not feature from the start last week, but was given an opportunity on Saturday. May retain his place at the expense of James Forrest.
Tom Rogic (CAM)
One of the goalscorers from the first-leg, the Australian international will look to have a similar impact on the proceedings come Wednesday.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
The other goalscorer from the game in Belfast, Sinclair will look to add more to his tally and start the campaign on strong note.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
The 21-year old was used from the bench in the first leg, with Leigh Griffiths starting the match. However, a change in roles is expected for the upcoming game.