Celtic play their final home match of the UEFA Champions League group stage this evening, with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk the latest to visit Glasgow.
The Bhoys are out of the tournament but still have an outside chance of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League knockout stages. Part of that process is picking up a victory tonight, so it’s a big game, perhaps bigger than some realise.
Ange Postecoglou’s squad is in decent shape right now, so which XI will he go with? Here’s our best go at it based on the most recent information…
After more impressive saves at Tynecastle against Hearts, Joe Hart will be back between the sticks for tonight’s encounter.
Two changes are likely in the defensive line. The increasingly popular Greg Taylor is almost certain to come in for Alexandro Bernabei. Meanwhile, Josip Juranovic is ready and rested to replace Anthony Ralston.
Carl Starfelt has returned to training but tonight’s match will come too soon for him, meaning the partnership of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Moritz Jenz.
I’m expecting the midfield three to be the same that has lined up in recent matches: Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy.
It’s in attack I can foresee the rest of tonight’s changes from the victory over Hearts with an all-new front three of Sead Haksabanovic, Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi to replace Saturday’s runners.
There are other plausible options, of course. Haksabanovic may move into a central position, for example, allowing Daizen Maeda or James Forrest to start. Or the manager might simply prefer the Giorgos Giakoumakis option at centre-forward.
Regardless, the eleven and bench will be strong and capable of picking up a result. If we can keep sticking away chances in the manner we have been over the last three matches, victory is more than achievable.
Your predicted XI in full is: Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Jenz, Taylor, O’Riley, Mooy, Hatate, Abada, Haksabanovic, Kyogo.
In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou confirms Jota injury return timeline.
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