Celtic face a colossal task in Madrid on Tuesday evening. To progress in Europe after Christmas, the Hoops must take some points from the Wanda Metropolitano.
Brendan Rodgers’ men will need to be at the top of their game and ahead of the match, we give you a predicted lineup.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Joe Hart will continue once more between the sticks and Alistair Johnston is likely to come back in at right-back.
Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers will start in the heart of the defence, and Greg Taylor will undoubtedly play amid Alexandro Bernabei’s exile.
Midfield
Callum McGregor will skipper the side at the base of midfield whilst Matt O’Riley will return to the lineup in the advanced role.
Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring their first goal with teammate Matt O’Riley REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Completing the engine room trio will be David Turnbull. It is hard to see Brendan Rodgers dropping the 24-year-old after he has scored two stunners in his last two.
Attack
Up top, Luis Palma will aim to build upon his previous strike versus Atletico, whilst Daizen Maeda will begin on the opposite wing to the Honduran internationalist. Through the middle, it is certain Kyogo Furuhashi will get the nod.
There will be numerous options on the bench for Brendan Rodgers to alter things. The likes of Paulo Bernardo, Odin Holm, Yang, Oh, and Nat Phillps could all provide different dynamics in several areas of the park.
If the Hoops are to get a result on Tuesday, the full squad will need to be at the top of their game. A tremendous effort is needed, but the support will be backing the Bhoys all the way.
