Right then, no big deal, but the next Celtic Predicted XI is a big one. Our match against FC Midtjylland could set the tone for the whole season.
Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys take a 1-1 aggregate score-line to Denmark, and really ought to have led the tie. Celtic absolutely dominated FC Midtjylland at Paradise, limiting them to just 3 shots. Unfortunately, one of them went in.
While, in normal circumstances, Postecoglou might have been tempted to tinker with his selection for tomorrow night, he simply can’t. While second XIs have featured in pre-season, the comparative youth of the Celtic squad doesn’t necessarily lend itself well to massive Champions League qualifiers.
And, after Nir Bitton’s sending-off last week, the boss will need to rely on youth, regardless. It’s fun, isn’t it? Getting to this point every year, under-prepared?
Here’s who makes our Celtic Predicted XI v Midtjylland.
Celtic Predicted XI: a youthful defence helmed by goalie needing great night
Vasilis Barkas needs a big night. Fortunately for the Greek goalkeeper, we reckon he’ll get the opportunity.
Heavily criticised after last week’s set-piece mishap, Barkas generally presented himself well in pre-season and, for the most part, against Midtjylland. Few can complain about what he brings on the ball, starting attacks for Celtic’s mobile defenders, but his performance against West Ham offered little to spark any confidence.
Simply, he needs a big night. A quiet night, preferably. Midtjylland had an xG of 0.00 in the first half of last week’s game [FotMob]. Something similar would be excellent.
Ahead of him, it could be Anthony Ralston’s last real chance to impress for Celtic. It’s incumbent on him to take it. With the Bhoys linked to Buta and Juranovic, Celtic getting a new right-back seems inevitable. If Ralston wants to at least ensure he’s a secondary option, he needs to be quicker getting up and down the park tomorrow.
In the middle, it’s Marc Rieper-approved Dane Murray and Stephen Welsh. I toyed with the idea of Liam Shaw or Ismaila Soro at centre-back, but all the momentum seems to be with Murray. Impressive last week, can he do the job and limit Midtjylland’s threat?
Scotland international Greg Taylor will keep his place at left-back.
The area of the pitch we can rely on…
I mean, it’s got to be Ismaila Soro, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull, hasn’t it?
All three were more than fine against FC Midtjylland, recycling the ball well and distributing to Abada and Christie with consummate ease. After his efforts last season, Turnbull will keen to make more of a mark on proceedings, but his key passes to the wings or to our striker (more to come) could unlock a slow Midtjylland back-line.
So, it’s going to be the big three. An area of the pitch you can absolutely rely on? It couldn’t be Celtic, could it?
Celtic Predicted XI: a big call for Postecoglou, or the obvious one?
Still criticised for a lack of effort, despite often covering more of the pitch than his midfielders, Odsonne Edouard has to be a must-start if he’s available.
Yes, Brighton are keen. But they’re waiting until the conclusion of tomorrow’s tie before they bid [Daily Mail]. Not to put any unnecessary pressure on the French striker, or anything.
Yes, somehow he divides opinion. But if Odsonne Edouard is fit, you play him. The gulf between him and the next best available options is considerable, and while he’s here, he’s got to start.
On the wings? My initial temptation was to list James Forrest. After gaining some fitness against West Ham United, the winger’s experience in these ties is considerable, and he’s always a guaranteed threat.
Alas, no. You’ve got to pick Liel Abada, right? After his goalscoring exploits and lively, exciting performance against FC Midtjylland, he’s surely got to play. It’s another big night for the Israeli international on the big stage; few would bet against him making an impact.
On the left, why fix what isn’t broken? Ryan Christie had a sizeable impact against FC Midtjylland last week, as something of a surprise selection. He has the ability, now it looks like he has extra motivation under Ange Postecoglou.
Injuries and quarantine rules be damned. This is a decent side, that’s capable of doing the business tomorrow night.
In other news: Big debut news for Hearts opener
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