Home » Article » Sviatchenko To Replace Toure – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Line-Up To Face Manchester City

Sviatchenko To Replace Toure – Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Line-Up To Face Manchester City

Image result for manchester city vs celtic

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic exemplified their status as reigning league champions with a stunning come-from-behind 4-3 win at Motherwell on Saturday. In a remarkable game at Fir Park, the home side stunned Celtic and raced to a 2-0 lead at the break. But Rodgers’ men struck back in the second half to level things up at 2-2 before a quick flurry of goals ensured the match was headed for a nerve-wracking finale. In the 90th minute, Celtic’s Aussie prodigy Tom Rogic scored the winner with a brilliant curling effort on his right foot to script a perfect turnaround.

A 13-point lead with a comfortable 3 games in hand over their fiercest rivals Rangers – Celtic are coasting through to another league title. But the focus, for now, shifts back to the Champions League action for one final time this season. While Celtic have already been knocked out, a strong finish against a shaky Manchester City side at the Etihad Stadium would go a long way to building confidence for a side chasing a historic invincible domestic treble.

Team News:

For the Hoops, Kieran Tierney and Scott Sinclair are the notable absentees, whereas last season’s top scorer Leigh Griffiths might be another injury concern having picked up a knock. However, on the positive front, Patrick Roberts will be eligible to face Manchester City despite being on loan from the English club.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Craig Gordon

The Hoops’ first-choice keeper may have shipped in 3 goals at Fir Park on Saturday, but that shouldn’t put his spot under any doubt.

Emilio Izaguirre

Image result for Emilio Izaguirre 2016-17

Izaguirre continues at left-back despite enduring one horrible day against Motherwell. Gave the ball away needlessly, clumsy while tackling and was substituted within 30 minutes. Will need to improve on this showing significantly at the Etihad.

Erik Sviatchenko

Kolo Toure was another player who had a game to forget. The veteran defender making a return after a six-week absence looked terribly out of shape and was responsible for both the goals Celtic conceded in the first half. Erik Sviatchenko, who missed that game with an illness, should come back in.

Jozo Simunovic

Jozo Simunovic , Kolo’s partner on the night, had a comparatively impressive outing. Was strong in his tackles and won back possession numerous times, he retains his spot.

Mikael Lustig

The right-back was guilty of losing possession for the second goal, but contributed plenty of attacks going forward down the flank. Will do well to keep out the threat of Aleksander Kolarov on Tuesday night.

Scott Brown

Image result for Scott Brown 2016-17

Celtic’s captain has been one of the most impressive performers since Brendan Rodgers took over and has led the team from the front. He dominated the proceedings in the midfield once again against Motherwell but faded from the scene as the match progressed. His leadership qualities face another huge test at the Etihad.

Stuart Armstrong

Has been a different player ever since his switch to a two-man midfield partnership with captain Scott Brown. He was integral to Celtic’s turnaround at Motherwell. A good one-two with McGregor for the first goal, brilliant cross to Roberts for the equaliser, before scoring the third himself.

Patrick Roberts

Scored Celtic’s second against Motherwell, but had a frustrating performance otherwise. There can no further incentive than to make an impression against his parent club for the 19-year old youngster.

Tom Rogic

Image result for Tom Rogic 2016-17

Scored an absolute cracker in the last minute to win the game for the Hoops in what was another impressive performance for the Aussie. His movement was terrific which created several openings. Rogic’s showing will be integral to Celtic’s chances on Tuesday night.

James Forrest

After an impressive showing in the league cup final against Aberdeen, James Forrest endured a tough time against Motherwell.  Struggled for momentum and failed to make his attacking chances count. For a player experiencing the season of his life, Forrest should retain his spot despite the poor showing.

Moussa Dembele

Leigh Griffith’s unfortunate injury means that Brendan Rodgers will have to stick with Moussa Dembele as his striker. While Dembele has been an absolute revelation for the Hoops, he has been churning out several thankless shifts in a row and could have been a candidate to take a rest, but that looks unlikely now.