James McFadden thinks Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley can be the ones to make Celtic tick against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
This is Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ biggest game of the season so far, with a win needed because the team is already sitting bottom of the group without any points.
Defeat against the La Liga giants, then it’s highly likely that it’s another post-Christmas period without any European football.
But with Matt O’Riley scoring his sixth goal of the campaign away at Hearts on Sunday, then Celtic have one of the form players in the league on their hands, as well as Reo Hatate, who just seems to be going from strength to strength.
Alongside captain Callum McGregor, those were the three players James McFadden highlighted ahead of Atletico Madrid’s visit, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
Those three will be expected to start on Wednesday night, with Matt O’Riley hoping to add to the assist he got during the crushing defeat to Lazio last time out.
Hatate, O’Riley and McGregor v Atletico Madrid
“It’s something that has been a disappointment for Celtic over the years, the European form,” said McFadden.
“It’s a game they have to win if they want to keep their hopes alive. The only tougher test would be away to Atletico Madrid, at least it’s at home.
“But they are in a good place, at the minute, Celtic. They are playing good football. They were unlucky against Lazio. It’s something they will be looking forward to.
“But the form of Hatate, McGregor and O’Riley would give them great confidence going into the game that they can create opportunities against Atletico Madrid.”
Positive mood…
One thing is for sure, the preparation heading into the game is very much on point, with key players back from injury, several players performing and the Bhoys heading into that match after thumping Hearts.
The only negative was from Neil Lennon, who was annoyed at the fact that Celtic go into the Atletico Madrid game after playing on Sunday.
It shouldn’t be too much of an issue because these players must surely be used to all of this now, as three points is a must.
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