Brendan Rodgers is now under pressure to deliver results at Celtic.
The two-time Treble winner and Celtic’s most successful manager behind only Willie Maley and Jock Stein is losing trust within the fanbase.
The Bhoys lost 2-0 to Dundee on Sunday to fall five points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race, drawing a blank for the sixth time this season.
Celtic have won just three of their last nine matches in all competitions, and it means a win over Sturm Graz at Parkhead is absolutely vital.
Rodgers’ Honda Civic comment about his squad caused a stir and was interpreted as a criticism of his players – not exactly what they need to lift spirits.
He stands by his comment, explaining it was actually in reference to how the speed in his team has decreased from last season.
What matters now is picking the right starting XI for tonight’s Europa League clash, and 67 Hail Hail believe the manager will make four alterations.
Alistair Johnston returns but Kieran Tierney dropped
Thankfully, Rodgers confirmed that Alistair Johnston has a good chance of making the matchday squad tonight. And that means he has to start.
Anthony Ralston isn’t good enough at this level, and while Johnston won’t be match fit and operating at only 80% capacity, it’s still better than anything Celtic have in that position.
Kieran Tierney was underwhelming again against Dundee, so Marcelo Saracchi earns a start in his place. In midfield, Benjamin Nygren makes way for Arne Engels.
And the fourth and final change in attack will be James Forrest in for Yang Hyun-jun, who was a surprise starter at Dens Park.
Celtic’s predicted XI vs Sturm Graz
Kasper Schmeichel will keep his place between the sticks despite a number of mistakes in the last Europa League outing versus Braga.
Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers is the undisputed centre-back partnership, while captain Callum McGregor sits just in front at the base of the midfield.
Reo Hatate keeps his place, although Luke McCowan is waiting in the wings and could feature from the start.
While Sebastian Tounekti will play on the left wing and link up with Saracchi, with Kelechi Iheanacho leading the line as per usual.
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