Celtic square off against La Liga side Atletico Madrid in their latest Champions League Group E showdown - with Brendan Rodgers knowing his team must secure a positive result or risk elimination.
The Hoops are winless after two straight defeats to Feyenoord (2-0) in the Netherlands and Lazio (1-2) at Parkhead earlier this month, leaving them bottom of the section and in desperate need of points.
They face another unenviable task against the Spanish giants - managed by Diego Simeone - who head into the midweek clash on a blistering run of form after winning six consecutive matches in all competitions, stretching back to a 1-1 draw against Lazio on September 19.
Celtic maintained their strong start to their Scottish Premiership campaign with a one-sided 4-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, restoring their seven-point cushion at the summit. And Rodgers is likely to stick with the same starting eleven who began the match in Gorgie, barring any late injury concerns.
Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm are back in contention after serving their one-game European suspension, but it’s expected that both players will have to settle for a place on the bench for this match.
Here’s how we think the Celts will shape up against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday:
They face another unenviable task against the Spanish giants - managed by Diego Simeone - who head into the midweek clash on a blistering run of form after winning six consecutive matches in all competitions, stretching back to a 1-1 draw against Lazio on September 19.
![Has been somewhat of a revelation in recent weeks and continues to churn out strong performances. Tidy with the ball at his feet.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/10/24/12/0_Celtic-v-Wolverhampton-Wonderers-Pre-Season-Friendly.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. Liam Scales - LCB
Has been somewhat of a revelation in recent weeks and continues to churn out strong performances. Tidy with the ball at his feet. | SNS Group
![Has improved his performance level significantly in recent weeks and his recent start for Scotland against France appears to have boosted his confidence.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/10/24/12/b25lY21zOmJhMmYxOTgxLTE3NzktNGJlMy05NTllLTFlNmRkOGYzNDJiZTpmZGZjMjVlYi02MWEyLTRjZjktOWRjZi1jNjhjNmUyY2IzYzY.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Greg Taylor - LB
Has improved his performance level significantly in recent weeks and his recent start for Scotland against France appears to have boosted his confidence. | SNS Group
![Keeps the team ticking at the base of midfield and is such a vital component. Doesn’t do anything too flashy and will be tasked with controlling the battle in the middle of the park.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/10/24/12/newFile-3.jpg?crop=3:2&width=551)
7. Callum McGregor - CM
Keeps the team ticking at the base of midfield and is such a vital component. Doesn’t do anything too flashy and will be tasked with controlling the battle in the middle of the park. | SNS Group
![His recent form is bound to attract more attention from clubs in England and across Europe. The most improved player in the country at present and starred against Hearts.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/10/23/16/Matt%20O%27Riley.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. Matt O’Riley - CM
His recent form is bound to attract more attention from clubs in England and across Europe. The most improved player in the country at present and starred against Hearts. | SNS