Predicted Celtic Line-Up To Take On Rosenborg In The Champions League Qualifier
Celtic will take on FC Rosenborg in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round, at the Lerkendal Stadium, on Wednesday night.
Last season’s treble winners could not make much of the home advantage in the first leg as the game ended in a goalless draw at the Parkhead last week. They will want to put in a much-improved performance this time around against the Danish opponents as their hopes of making it to the Champions League proper rely on it.
Celtic come into the game on the back of a 5-0 drubbing of Sunderland in a pre-season game and will look to carry the momentum from that triumph.
Team News
There is welcome news for the Hoops as striker Leigh Griffiths could be fit and available for the game on Wednesday. The Scotsman missed last game due to a suspension and was also carrying a minor injury. His return would give Brendan Rodgers a huge boost, as fellow striker Moussa Dembele too is unavailable for a considerable amount of time. Defender Dedryck Boyata also misses out.
Here’s how Celtic could take the field in Trondheim, come Wednesday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
The veteran was benched against the Black Cats over the weekend, but will return to the starting XI ahead of Dorus De Vries.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
The Swede will also return to the line-up after not being involved against Sunderland, replacing Anthony Ralston in the line-up.
Jozo Simunovic (CB)
One of the centre-back slots will be occupied by Jozo Simunovic. The 22-year old will have to be the leader of the defence in the absence of Dedryck Boyata.
Kristoffer Ajer (CB)
The 19-year old had a fine debut for Celtic, against Rosenborg in the first leg. May well retain his spot alongside Simunovic.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The young left-back has been one of Celtic’s most important players over the past year. Will provide a great attacking outlet down the left-hand side.
Scott Brown (CM)
The captain, Scott Brown, will hold the fort in front of the backline to try and break down the attacks of their opponents.
Stuart Armstrong (CM)
McGregor will be partnered by compatriot Stuart Armstrong, who also got himself on the scoresheet against their English opponents.
Jonny Hayes (RW)
The summer arrival has been used from the bench more often, but an impressive performance against Sunderland over the weekend, when he scored a goal, could earn a starting berth for the former Aberdeen man.
Callum McGregor (CAM)
The 24-year old scored a fine hat-trick against the Black Cats on Saturday and that performance should be enough for him to earn a place in the playing XI for this game.
Scott Sinclair (LW)
The left flank will be manned by last season’s top scorer Scott Sinclair. With Dembele unavailable, the Englishman will need to produce the goods for the Hoops.
James Forrest (ST)
With Dembele not in contention and Griffiths not 100% certain to play, leading the line will be winger James Forrest, who had a very good game against Sunderland, playing as a striker and drawing a lot of praise from the manager.