Celtic face Rosenborg BK in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round phase at the Parkhead on tonight,
Brendan Rodgers and his Bhoys will be looking to take a lead at least, and definitely a clean sheet, to Norway. Much has been said on social media and blogs about the lack of signings but match day is here and faith must be imparted on those available.
This tie will no doubt be settled over a nerve-jangling two game scenario – I just don’t see Celtic winning the tie at Parkhead given the opponents and players out, but I do think we will go through, and here’s my line-up.
The probability is that Rodgers will maintain the 3-5-2 formation although we know he may be forced to change to a back four due to various factors, mainly the omission of the on-form Dembele.
Still, my predicted team is this:
Gordon, Gamboa, Hendry, Ajer, Tierney, Brown, Ntcham, Forrest, McGregor, Sinclair, Edouard
Craig Gordon will no doubt maintain his position as Celtic’s number 1 and is obviously the manager’s first choice despite Bain showing his worth towards the end of last season.
Jack Hendry, Kristofer Ajar, Christian Gamboa and Kieran Tierney will form a back four, with noticeable absentees Simunovic (suspended) and Compper (glass legs) and with Lustig and Boyata not yet returning from World Cup duties, Rodgers has very little options outside this four.
My main concern is the defence with Hendry, who lacks experience at this level, closely followed by Ajer. Although Ajer’s improved over the last season or two I still think he’s liable to be caught on the ball or out of position.
Tierney, in spite of his age, has great experience and ability and this is the level he was born to play at. Gamboa should fill in for Lustig as he showed in the World Cup he’s more than capable. A close eye will need to be kept on Bendtner who will be looking to exploit a makeshift defence.
A midfield four of Brown, Ntcham, Forrest and McGregor really picks itself at the moment. With Armstrong gone it will likely be those players straight in every week.
With the exception of Brown, who will guide the midfield for Celtic, they are all goal threats with Forrest and McGregor the most likely to bag a goal.
Forrest in particular has a knack in Europe.
Finally, I’d pair Sinclair with Edouard.
Sinclair has looked fresher in pre-season and if he can utilise his pace he’ll be great foil for the young Frenchman. Ideally, the partnership would have been Dembele and Eddy but again Moussa is side-line together with fellow striker Leigh Griffiths.
Much has been made of lack of transfers but I’m quietly confidently this team can take at least a 1-0 lead to Norway.
Gavin McCann is a confident Celtic blogger who’s in the mood for tonight’s game.