Celtic’s UEFA Champions League campaign will draw to a conclusion later this evening, facing off against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Hoops have already exited the competition, and last week’s disappointing draw, versus Shakhtar Donetsk, eliminated any possibility of a Europa League knockout place.
However, there is still something up for grabs for tonight’s opponents as Carlo Ancelotti, and his team look to secure the top spot in Group F.
Having failed to pick up a victory thus far in the competition, Ange Postecoglou will be keen to see his side create a shock result at the iconic stadium in the Spanish capital.
But that is bound to be an extremely difficult assignment, with the current holders of the competition set to put out a full-strength starting 11 to round off the group stages.
As the Celtic support are well aware of by now, though, the Celtic boss will set up his side to go and win the game. So here is our best go at predicting the starting XI that the 57-year-old will go with later this evening.
Although this fixture is ultimately a dead rubber, we wouldn’t expect too many shock changes to the personnel. Joe Hart looks all set to start between the sticks, and his experience is bound to be crucial, having already previously played at the Bernabeu in this competition.
Two changes to the back four are likely to take place, with Josip Juranovic ready to step in as he has done in all five of the previous group games, replacing Anthony Ralston following his appearance against Livingston at the weekend.
Meanwhile, after another goal and man-of-the-match display on the road last Sunday, Greg Taylor will remain in the side as the more inexperienced Alexandro Bernabei watches on from the bench.
The other change that will be coming to the Celtic backline will be who Ange Postecoglou decides to partner Mortiz Jenz at the centre of defence as Cameron Carter-Vickers was ruled out of tonight’s clash through injury.
So, there will be at least one defender making their return this evening as Stephen Welsh also comes back into contention. But, we believe Ange might see this as a good opportunity to restore Carl Starfelt to the side after being missing through injury since September.
In midfield, there are a few surprises that the Celtic boss might throw in by handing Oliver Abildgaard a first start or bringing David Turnbull into the line-up, following on from his assist off the bench.
However, I’m excepting the midfield three of Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy to remain from Saturday’s 3-0 win over Livi.
Looking to the attacking frontline, Ange Postecoglou’s options have now all been restored, with Jota making a goalscoring comeback on Sunday. So, there are plenty of choices for the ex-Aussie boss.
But, I believe that he will restore to a favourable front three of his towards the back end of last campaign, handing Daizen Maeda, Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi a start this evening.
Of course, Postecoglou could also go with the likes of Liel Abada, Sead Haksabanovic, Giorgos Giakoumakis and James Forrest in his frontline.
But in my opinion, these players will be tasked with taking one of the best defensive backlines in world football due to their pace and pressing abilities.
This just goes to showcase the attacking talent available for the Celtic manager, with any of the above in with a chance of starting.
Regardless of the starting 11, it should prove to be a fantastic occasion for the boss and his squad as they prepare for a challenging task against the current European champions.
But I am sure they will do all they can to round off this season’s European campaign on a high. Best of luck to the boys!
Your predicted XI in full is: Hart, Juranovic, Jenz, Starfelt, Taylor, O’Riley, Mooy, Hatate, Maeda, Jota, Kyogo.
In other news, Celtic’s UEFA Youth League campaign draws to conclusion with defeat.
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