Match

Celtic predicted XI vs Braga as Brendan Rodgers drops first-team regular

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Celtic are going in search of their first win in the Europa League this season when they take on Braga.

The Hoops drew with Red Star Belgrade in their first game of the league phase, but will be under the lights at Celtic Park for the first time in the competition.

Gustaf Lagerbielke returns to Glasgow for the first time since joining Braga in the summer, while manager Carlos Vicens is under huge pressure following the loss against Nacional.

Plenty of tickets still remain for Thursday’s game, where Brendan Rodgers could make some big decisions in terms of his starting lineup.

So, with that, here is how 67 Hail Hail predict what Celtic’s starting XI against Braga will look like.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Celtic and Kairat Almaty at Celtic Park
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers drops Daizen Maeda for Braga clash

Daizen Maeda is yet to show any signs of replicating his form from last season.

His 33 goals were crucial for the Bhoys but, so far, he only has two to his name.

There seems to be less intensity with his pressing and his dip in form has become even more noticeable following the starts of Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Maeda wanted to leave in the summer and that has played a part in his struggles, but it can only go on for so long before the Celtic manager decides that he needs a game out of the XI.

Celtic predicted XI vs Braga

Starting in goal will be Kasper Schmeichel, followed by a defence with two changes from the weekend’s draw against Hibernian.

Kieran Tierney returns despite Marcelo Saracchi’s impressive display, with Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers at centre-back. Youngster Colby Donovan is also restored to the XI, replacing Anthony Ralston.

The predicted XI Celtic could put out against Braga in the Europa League on Thursday 2 October 2025
The predicted XI Celtic could put out against Braga in the Europa League on Thursday 2 October 2025 Credit: GRV Media lineup tool/Callum Boyle

It will be the usual midfield trio of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Benjamin Nygren as they look to control the tempo against key Braga player, Joao Moutinho.

Finally, in the attacking positions, are the exciting duo of Tounekti and Iheanacho, with Michel-Ange Balikwisha on the right-hand side.