The Celtic team for tonight’s Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb has been announced, and Brendan Rodgers has made some significant calls in his bid to end the Hoops’ seven-year wait for an away win in the competition.
Rodgers has gone full strength, with clear intent to dominate a depleted Dinamo side, but there are a few key decisions that stand out in his selection.
Here’s how Celtic line up:
Schmeichel
Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor
Subs: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Engels, Forrest, Welsh.
Taylor Over Valle at Left-Back
Despite speculation that Alexandro Valle might be given the nod for his attacking dynamism, Rodgers has opted for Greg Taylor’s defensive reliability at left-back. It’s a sensible decision in a high-stakes European tie where positional discipline will be crucial. Taylor’s experience in these moments gives him the edge, and he’ll need to be at his best to deal with Dinamo’s wide threats.
Bernardo Gets the Midfield Spot
Paolo Bernardo gets the nod over Arne Engels in midfield, a decision that highlights Rodgers’ faith in the Portuguese midfielder’s growing influence. Bernardo has impressed whenever given a chance and brings over a year’s experience with Celtic, including previous Champions League outings. While Engels started strongly after his summer arrival, his recent inconsistencies have likely swung the decision in Bernardo’s favour.
Kyogo Leads the Line
Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi starts ahead of Adam Idah. Kyogo’s sharp movement and ability to exploit space are tailor-made for a match like this, where Dinamo’s injury-hit defence could struggle to cope with his pace and precision. While Idah has been effective in a more physical role recently, this game feels like it was always destined for Kyogo’s clinical instincts.
All Eyes on Europe
Rodgers’ selections make it clear that he has one focus tonight: securing a much-needed result in Croatia. With these key calls, he’s prioritised experience, sharpness, and consistency — exactly what’s required in a must-win Champions League fixture.
Let’s hope the XI delivers the performance to match Rodgers’ intent.
