Celtic will face their most difficult test of the season on Tuesday night when they visit Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.
Last year’s finalists got off to a storming start on matchday one with a 3-0 victory over Club Brugge and will be determined to get a win in front of their 80,000-strong home support.
However, Celtic travel with confidence, having won all nine of their competitive games so far, including their big 5-1 result in Europe against Slovan Bratislava.
Brendan Rodgers has most of his players available for the match, although he did confirm one disappointing absence in a press conference.
Cameron Carter-Vickers hasn’t made the flight to Germany due to a foot injury, and the manager has yet to confirm when he’ll be available. An assessment will be made for Sunday’s trip to Ross County.
Potential Celtic team vs Borussia Dortmund
Kasper Schmeichel will continue as Rodgers’ number-one goalkeeper, having conceded just three goals in his nine matches at Celtic so far. Dortmund will likely give him his biggest workout yet in a Bhoys jersey.
The defensive line almost picks itself with Carter-Vickers out. Alistair Johnston is a guarantee on the right flank, while Greg Taylor appears to have shaken off a knock to be available on the left.
Auston Trusty and Liam Scales will be trusted in the central area and may well have the most difficult task of anyone else in the team.
Rodgers’ big decision comes in midfield
While Reo Hatate remains one of Celtic’s best and most creative players, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Paulo Bernardo get the nod alongside Arne Engels.
Bernardo has been in exceptional form of late and just offers that little bit extra off the ball compared to his Japanese teammate. We’ll need that athleticism and physicality to cope with Dortmund.
Captain Callum McGregor will lead the way regardless of the duo who line up to complete the midfield.
The lightning attack that can hurt Dortmund
The manager will go with Celtic’s paciest and most dangerous front three.
Daizen Maeda has the speed and work ethic to help contain the home side out of possession, as well as the confidence to continue his excellent goal return of five in seven matches this season.
Nicolas Kuhn is also in electric form and can be the key weapon to really hurt Dortmund in transition. He has five goals and eight assists so far this term, contributing more than anyone in Celtic’s attack.
Kyogo Furuhashi is the man to go with through the middle. His intelligence and awareness can find the space to trouble Dortmund’s defenders. It’s another big night for the Japanese star to impress.
Your Predicted XI in full is: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Engels, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.
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