The Celtic first-team starting XI against Kairat Almaty pretty much picks itself apart from one key area.
Kasper Schmeichel will return to goalkeeping duty after being rested for Celtic’s win over Falkirk in the League Cup.
The four starting Celtic defenders will likely be Tierney, Johnston, Carter-Vickers and Scales and the front three will probably be Daizen Maeda, James Forrest and Adam Idah.
It’s the heart of the Celtic first-team that is causing much debate this season.
With £11m man Arne Engels impressing against Falkirk, Michael Stewart believes that Brendan Rodgers has a ‘big decision’ to make on who to drop for Celtic’s big game against Kairat Almaty.
Brendan Rodgers told it’s ‘fairly clear’ who starts for Celtic between Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren has been a breath of fresh air for Celtic this season as he forces Arne Engels onto the bench.
However, with Engels looking bright in the Celtic Park Falkirk win has the Belgian given Brendan Rodgers some food for thought tonight?
Stewart doesn’t seem to think so.
Stewart told the Scottish Football Social Club, “Well, it’s a big decision, but I think it’s a fairly clear one. I think Nygren’s going to be playing.
“I think he’s settled in brilliantly, looks really comfortable and the challenge is obviously for Engels to react and react well.
“I thought Engels showed a lot of hunger and desire on Friday night. I thought he was looking lively.
“So I mean that’s the healthy competition that’s there that drives them on. I think, for me, it’s pretty stick on.
“I’d be very surprised if Nygren wasn’t starting to be perfectly honest. It shows that you know the strength and depth that’s there at the moment.”
Brendan Rodgers is a huge fan of Celtic new Bhoy Benjamin Nygren
It’s clear the Celtic boss is a big fan of Nygren as the Swede has already played a big part in the Hoops’ results this season.
Speaking after Celtic beat Newcastle in pre-season, Rodgers said of Nygren, “Benji (Nygren) has settled in really well. Some of our younger players also, so yeah, it has been building for us, and we have a lot more to come. Some more to bring in also.
“But overall, with this group and where we are, at the moment, you can see them progressing really well.”
It’s fair to say Nygren has delivered on that so far and Celtic supporters will be keen to see him make his mark in the Champions League.
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