Celtic have earned just one point in their three Champions League group stage fixtures thus far and a victory over Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital is required to keep their faint knockout hopes alive.
The Hoops are enjoying a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions and registered a convincing 3-0 win over Ross County in their latest Scottish Premiership match at the weekend, thanks to goals from David Turnbull, Luis Palma and James Forrest.
Atletico, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat in ten games by falling to a shock 2-1 loss away to Las Palmas in La Liga and Brendan Rodgers’ side will arrive at the Estadio Metropolitano knowing a repeat performance of their 2-2 draw with Diego Simeone’s men at Parkhead a fortnight ago would give them a chance of clinching maximum points.
However, Celtic are winless in their last six away games in this competition and have kept just one clean sheet in their previous 34 games. In contrast, Atletico have lost just once at home in 2023 to date and remain unbeaten in Group E with one win and two draws.
Here’s how we think the Bhoys will shape up against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night:
1. Celtic predicted line-up vs Atletico Madrid - gallery (GlaW)
The goals from James Forrest and Luis Palma in Celtic 3-0 win away to Ross County on Saturday - the pair seen here celebrating the Scot’s headed counter his team-mate set up - had special significance. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
2. Joe Hart - GK
Remains the Hoops current No.1 and there’s been no indication that will change any time soon. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
3. Alistair Johnston - RB
Rested for the trip to Dingwall on Saturday, the Canadian should be feeling fresh after starting the St Mirren game in midweek.
4. Cameron Carter-Vickers - RCB
Left out of the squad - a planned decision due to a knee issue - against St Mirren but returned to face Ross County and will be asked to soldier on.