Celtic know they have done their job in the Champions League this season.
So on matchday eight, Brendan Rodgers‘ side can enjoy the occasion when they take to the field against Aston Villa in West Midlands later this evening.
Unai Emery’s side lost last week to AS Monaco and the Spaniard was furious after having warned the Hoops already about what to expect at Villa Park.
Yet top eight for Celtic is not yet completely out of the question.
It is unlikely for the Scottish champions and many matches would have to go their way for anything more than a knockout playoff spot to come to fruition.
But Rodgers was satisfied last weekend following the nerve-shredding Young Boys victory that a place in the latter stages was the most important thing.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is missing for Celtic
Villa certainly won’t be taking this one lightly and will almost certainly send out their strongest possible XI including a returning John McGinn for the fixture.
But who might Rodgers pick?
The Irishman is without the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers who missed training this morning.
He hopes to have the American back for the weekend’s clash vs Motherwell but that will be a decision made nearer the time.
Daizen Maeda, meanwhile, is suspended so there will be a call to make there, too.
Jota is unavailable.
Here 67 Hail Hail predicts Celtic’s lineup vs Aston Villa.
Celtic predicted XI vs Aston Villa
Kasper Schmeichel will obviously be the man between the sticks to go up against a side he has faced countless times throughout his time down in England.
A back four is likely to consist of Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor with CCV out.
Midfield will be strong with Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate, we suspect.
No Maeda will give Yang a chance to start in Europe for one of the first times since he arrived at the club.
Nicolas Kuhn will be on the other side.
Up top, with no Kyogo, will be Adam Idah.
- Celtic predicted XI vs Aston Villa: SCHMEICHEL, JOHNSTON, TRUSTY, SCALES, TAYLOR, MCGREGOR, ENGELS, HATATE, YANG, KUHN, IDAH.
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