Predicted Celtic line-up to face Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League
Celtic travel to Austria to face Red Bull Salzburg in their second group stage game of the Europa League on Thursday.
The Hoops had to dig deep to win their Europa League group stage opener against Rosenborg, thanks to a Leigh Griffith goal at the death. The Bhoys also picked up an important victory on the road against Aberdeen in the Scottish Championship on Saturday.
The win over Aberdeen would certainly give Brendan Rodgers’ men a lot of confidence before they take on Red Bull Salzburg in midweek.
Team News
Odsonne Edouard is a doubt for Thursday’s match at RB Salzburg after suffering a dead leg against Aberdeen. Kristoffer Ajer could be out for up to six weeks due to a hamstring injury but Filip Benkovic could travel to Austria after missing the Aberdeen game with an Achilles injury.
Jozo Simunovic remains sidelined and Nir Bitton is progressing well, however, he will be out at least until October.
Probable Celtic XI
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Craig Gordon (GK)
Gordon is Rodgers’ first-choice between the sticks and that won’t change when Celtic face Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday.
Mikael Lustig (RB)
Lustig continues to blow hot and cold for the Hoops. However, he should continue at right-back.
Jack Hendry (CB)
Hendry hasn’t been convincing in defence since returning from injury. He needs to start performing at the back for Celtic.
Dedryck Boyata (CB)
Strong in the air and powerful in the tackle, Boyata would partner Hendry in central defence. He will also pose a threat from set-pieces.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
There’s no stopping Tierney at the moment. He has been Celtic’s most consistent performer this season and deserves to start on Thursday.
Scott Brown (CDM)
Celtic’s midfield general, Brown will look to impose himself on the game from the first blow of the whistle. He will offer protection to Celtic’s back-four.
Tom Rogic (LCM)
Rogic is a creative player who will look to create chances for his teammates. He needs to step up for the Bhoys.
Olivier Ntcham (RCM)
Ntcham has been ordinary in recent weeks for the Hoops but he’s got the manager’s backing. The Frenchman is a combative midfielder who could be a real handful for the Red Bull Salzburg defence.
James Forrest (RW)
Nippy, agile and industrious, Forrest will add pace and incisiveness to Celtic’s attack.
Callum McGregor (LW)
McGregor has been an important player for Celtic. He possesses tremendous vision and can find his teammates with ease.
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Leigh Griffiths (ST)
Celtic’s man in form, Griffiths is a big-game player for Rodgers and with Edouard a doubt for the game, there are no doubts that the Scotsman will start Thursday’s game.