Brendan Rodgers has laid his cards on the table with a bold and balanced Celtic lineup for tonight’s high-stakes clash against Dinamo Zagreb. The selection speaks of intent, ambition, and a calculated risk — a manager determined to end Celtic’s seven-year wait for an away win in the Champions League. But as always in Europe, the devil lies in the details.
Taylor Over Valle: The Conservative Choice
The decision to start Greg Taylor at left-back, while predictable, is sure to spark debate. Alexandro Valle’s pace and ability to stretch the game vertically might have offered a more dynamic outlet, particularly against a Dinamo side vulnerable to quick transitions. But Rodgers has opted for Taylor’s reliability, choosing control and experience over raw explosiveness.
Taylor’s strength lies in his ability to step into midfield and contribute to Celtic’s build-up play — a crucial quality when Rodgers demands calmness on the ball in hostile environments like the Maksimir Stadium. Rodgers made it clear that even though Greg’s contract is running down and he’s free to talk to other clubs in a matter of weeks, he knows he can trust the defender until the very last.
Carter-Vickers Anchors the Defence
The return of Cameron Carter-Vickers to the starting XI is a decision as unsurprising as it is essential. Liam Scales, admirable in his weekend performance, makes way for the defensive talisman, whose blend of composure and leadership will be pivotal in handling the expected aerial bombardment and hostile crowd. The Maksimir isn’t a ground for half-measures, and Carter-Vickers will be tasked with keeping the backline calm under pressure.
Midfield: Bernardo’s Big Moment
Perhaps the most intriguing decision comes in midfield, where Paolo Bernardo gets the nod over Arne Engels. This feels like a statement of trust from Rodgers. Bernardo’s energy and positional awareness have shone in recent weeks, and his ability to break up play and transition swiftly could be vital in stifling Dinamo’s counter-attacks.
Engels’ omission hardly raises eyebrows. His early season form was decent, but a patchy run has tilted the scales in favour of Bernardo’s steadiness. The Portuguese under-21 star deserves his start.
Kyogo Leads the Line
Up front, there was never much doubt. Kyogo Furuhashi’s movement and clinical edge make him an automatic starter, especially against a Zagreb defence that has looked alarmingly porous in recent matches. His ability to turn half-chances into goals could be decisive tonight.
Adam Idah offers a different threat but remains a weapon off the bench. If Celtic find themselves in a battle late on, his physicality might provide the perfect foil to a tiring Zagreb defence.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Rodgers’ lineup reflects how much he wants to win this. It’s a must-win. Dinamo, for all their domestic struggles, are a proud side desperate to turn a corner. Celtic must tread carefully, seizing opportunities while guarding against the sucker punches that have undone them so often away from home.
There’s no denying the weight of history here. Celtic’s European away-day woes have become part of the club’s modern folklore, a recurring source of frustration for fans. Tonight, Rodgers has a chance to rewrite the script, but only if his side can find the elusive balance between aggression and discipline.
If they manage to weather the inevitable Dinamo storms, this could be a turning point. But as ever in Europe, the margin for error is razor-thin. Celtic will need more than just the right selection; they’ll need composure, grit, and, perhaps, a touch of luck to finally banish their ghosts on the road.
Starting XI:
Schmeichel
Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor
