With what is sure to be the first in a string of electrifying European nights this season at Celtic Park on Tuesday, Rodgers faces the decision of selecting the starting lineup with the best chance of taking points from big spenders, PSG.
Assuming Rodgers lines up his typical 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper
Craig Gordon is a certainty to start. Despite the occasional shaky moment in recent times, he has proven himself to be our strongest option and his affinity with the fans is unwavering.
Right-back
Mikael Lustig will be favourite to line up here. Inexperienced Ralston has been extremely promising in his recent appearances in the first team; however, the experienced Swede is a rock at the back, and many fans will be gunning for Lustig vs. Neymar Round 2. The only reason Rodgers would opt for someone else in this position would be if he were to prefer playing Lustig at centre-back.
Left-back
A complete no brainer. Kieran Tierney, the young Scottish internationalist which every Celtic fan has taken to heart since his debut for the club under Ronny Deila. He will be looking to continue his development with a committed defensive performance opposite PSG.
Centre-backs
With the current centre-back crisis continuing into this European tie, it looks as though Rodgers will not be spoilt for choice. With Jozo Simunovic getting most of the game vs. Hamilton and remaining injury free he will be a certainty to start at the back. It is possible that Rodgers will opt to play Mikael Lustig alongside Jozo, slotting promising Anthony Ralston into right back. Otherwise, it would appear Rodgers would need to choose between shaky Nir Bitton and inexperienced Kristoffer Ajer. Unfortunately, Boyata and Sviatchenko are not fit enough to be in contention.
Central-midfielders
Especially after heaping praise on the Scottish captain, Scott Brown will be attempting to take charge of the middle of the park on Tuesday night for sure. His partner is harder to predict, however. After his dominating performances so far this season, many will back Olivier Ntcham to fill this gap in the midfield with his strength and quick distribution delighting Celtic fans so far this season. Brown’s international teammate Stuart Armstrong could also fit into this position with the box-to-box midfielder becoming a bit of a fan favourite over the course of last season. Often overlooked Callum Macgregor is also an option for Rodgers after a string of impressive performances in recent times.
Wingers
Over the course of the UCL qualifiers this season, these positions have been filled predominantly by last seasons POTY Scott Sinclair and Scotland internationalist James Forrest. With the recent arrival of Patrick Roberts on a season long loan, it could appear that Forrest will again have competition when fighting for his place on the teamsheet.
Central-attacking-midfielder
Tom Rogic and Callum Macgregor will be amongst those battling for this position on Tuesday night. Both finding tremendous form last season under new management. Whilst Tom Rogic’s technical ability and strength may overshadow Macgregors, the Australian’s ability to last the full 90 minutes is still questionable. Stuart Armstrong will also be fighting for this position, staking a strong claim by scoring the opener versus Hamilton. Whichever player Rodgers’ opts to play will no doubt bring their unique qualities to the position.
Striker
With Dembele still recovering from injury, it appears as though the striker role will be handed to prolific goalscorer Leigh Griffiths. Although, the possibility of a shock start for new bhoy Odsonne Edouard should not be ruled out entirely with the young striker coming on loan from the French outfit Celtic will be facing. The possibility of a start for Edouard may be boosted by his debut goal and overall high performance vs. Hamilton.
Predicted XI: Gordon; Lustig Simunovic Ajer Tierney; Brown Ntcham; Roberts Rogic Sinclair; Griffiths.
Do you agree with out predicted XI? Leave your comments below on who you think should be on Tuesday nights team sheet.
Ryan Fotheringham
