The hype of the Japan Tour has been building up since the announcement was made that Celtic was going to visit the country back in May.
With Celtic’s first-team squad brimming with Japanese players, the opportunity to tour the country was a no-brainer by the club.
And now, after months of preparation, Celtic are set to kick off the first leg of the tour against Yokohama F Marinos and the team that is set to face the Japanese side is an interesting one.
Joe Hart remains in goal with what looks like a back four of Greg Taylor, Carl Starfelt, Yuki Kobayashi and either Tomoki Iwata or Reo Hatate in the unfamiliar position at right back.
The midfield has a familiar feel with Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley, but until the teams come out, we will find out whether it is Hatate or Iwata that completes the heart of the team. Liel Abada and Sead Haksabanovic take up the wings with Daizen Maeda the man chosen to lead the line up front.
Kyogo Furuhashi takes to the bench but you would have to assume that the Japanese striker will get some minutes in his legs at some point.
Waiting in the wings we have Siegrist, Liam Scales, David Turnbull, Hyeongyu Oh, James Forrest and Stephen Welsh. Bosun Lawal, Rocco Vata continue to be part of the first-team squad.
Young midfielder, Daniel Kelly and right-back, Ben McPherson (who joined the Celtic first team prior to the title win over Hearts) will both look forward to getting an opportunity to make their debuts for the club.
Interestingly, there is no Anthony Ralston which raises questions on whether or not the Scotland international is injured or not.
With kick-off less than an hour away, the Celtic fans will be buzzing to watch their team for the first time since lifting the Scottish Cup back in June.
In other news, No fear on show as Celtic’s Japanese stars target Europe’s big guns in Champions League
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