Celtic supporters are hours away from hearing the Champions League anthem on home soil as the Bhoys take on Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League tonight.
Brendan Rodgers’ men couldn’t have come into this one in better form, winning six from six this season across all competitions, conceding just once.
However, the visitors travelled to Glasgow at the top of their domestic league and secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over rivals Dunajska Streda at the weekend despite the hosts failing to convert a stoppage-time penalty.
There has been an external narrative about this game that Celtic may be favourites. Nevertheless, Rodgers quickly shot that theory down in his pre-match press conference yesterday, claiming he will not fall into this trap and will offer Vladimir Weiss and his side the ‘respect’ they deserve ahead of kick-off.
With kick-off at 8 pm, Celtic fans will be waiting on tenterhooks to see who is charged with delivering their first three points in the Champions League this campaign. 67 Hail Hail have had a go at predicting the starting line-up.
Celtic Predicted XI vs Slovan Bratislava
Kasper Schmeichel will start between the sticks for Celtic. The Denmark international helped to break a 118-year-old league clean sheet record at the weekend, recording five shutouts in succession. It would be lunacy not to start him on the biggest stage.
Auston Trusty will have to wait for his debut. You’d expect Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales to be flanked by Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor on either side, completing the back four.
Celtic need all the solidity they can get ahead of a huge occasion, so it makes sense to deal in familiarity rather than throwing anyone in who isn’t tried and tested.
Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo vying for a start
Now, the main decision that has gained traction online is who Rodgers chooses to complete his midfield three. Club captain Callum McGregor is certain to start, and Reo Hatate will join him as chief risk-taker, with the Japanese star looking to be an efficient creative foil for the front quartet.
Record signing Arne Engels started at the weekend against Heart of Midlothian and got himself on the scoresheet from the spot. Still, Paulo Bernardo has made a compelling case amid his early season form.
Nevertheless, the Belgium international will get the nod to start tonight; you don’t pay the big bucks for him not to be involved.
Forming the front three, Daizen Maeda starts off the left flank, and Nicolas Kuhn looks a good bet to be handed another chance coming in from the right following a strong start to 2024/25.
Kyogo Furuhashi leads the line for Celtic. His movement and expertise are set to be vital as the Bhoys look to breach Slovan Bratislava’s backline as frequently as possible.
Adam Idah will be on hand from the bench to offer a more direct threat. Meanwhile, expect James Forrest to get some minutes later on if his side require an experienced campaigner on the European stage.
Your predicted XI in full is: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.
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