Predicted Celtic Line-up To Face Paris Saint-Germain In The Champions League
After their impressive 4-1 thrashing of Hamilton Academical on Friday night in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic will kick off their UEFA Champions League group stage when they welcome French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain to the Celtic Park on Tuesday night.
The Hoops made it to the group stages, after making it through the qualifying and the playoff stages. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that his troops put up a strong fight against the mighty PSG side that comprises of the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani.
Team News
Moussa Dembele is back in training and Rodgers indicated that he might play a part. Leigh Griffiths, who missed the weekend game after picking up a knock on international duty, is also expected to return. Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryck Boyata too have returned to training, but won’t be ready for the encounter against PSG.
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran shot-stopper will have to be at his best if he is to keep the threat of PSG attackers at bay on Tuesday.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swede will start at right-back and will face one of the biggest challenges in trying and keeping world’s most expensive player quiet.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
The Bosnian centre-back returned from injury against the Accies and is expected to keep his place in the heart of the defence. Will be up against the threat of Cavani.
Nir Biton (CB)
The Israeli international is likely to partner Simunovic in the backline. Hasn’t looked the most convincing, but could be preferred instead of the young Kristoffer Ajer.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The left-hand side of the defensive line will be manned by the young Kieran Tierney. For all his attacking instincts, he will most likely be asked to do a lot more, defensively, against the dangers of Julian Draxler or Di Maria.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain will start in the middle of the park for the Bhoys and will have to muster up all his years of experience to try and snuff out the danger of Marco Verratti & co.
Stuart Armstrong (CM)
The Scotland international is starting to gain form in the new season and got himself on the scoresheet on Friday night. Will be a key player for Celtic.
Patrick Roberts (RW)
Returned to the club on loan and made his first appearance, against Hamilton, and impressed heavily. Should start ahead of James Forrest.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
Has been one of the Hoops’ best players in the new season and should assume responsibilities in the No.10 role against Les Parisiens.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
Will be in the groove after grabbing a double against the Accies on Friday night. Expect him to the biggest attacking threat for the Scottish champions.
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
Edouard, on loan from PSG, made his debut for Celtic, against Hamilton, and showed what he is all about, with some real pace and power, by scoring a goal. With Dembele and Griffiths shrouded by fitness concerns, the youngster might be asked to step up against his parent club.