Celtic predicted XI vs Roma: Verdict on Kelechi Iheanacho after injury return and defensive change expected
Here’s how we think Wilfried Nancy will set up his Celtic side against Roma in their Europa League clash.
After Celtic suffered their first defeat in six matches against Hearts, they now have a chance to bounce back in the Europa League against AS Roma.
It was a disappointing Sunday afternoon at Celtic Park for head coach Wilfried Nancy as his Celtic side lost 2-1 to their Edinburgh rivals on his first game in charge. The result meant that Celtic remain second place in the Scottish Premiership table. However, on the European stage, things are looking up for The Hoops, after they defeated Feyenoord at De Kuip on matchday five. Their midweek rivals have enjoyed a steady start to the season, however two defeats in two domestically have seen them drop down in the Serie A table.
The Celtic match won’t be the first time Roma have travelled to Glasgow in this competition, having previously beaten Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox. Kelechi Iheanacho was on the bench for The Hoops at the weekend and will be available for selection against Roma. After having a promising start to his Celtic career, the Nigerian has been sidelined since October after he picked up a hamstring injury against Sturm Graz.
Nancy came under criticism for the Hearts game for trying to change too much too quickly, as he played with a back three of Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney, who are all left-sided. He also played with attacking wing backs, with the likes of Yang Hyun-jun and Sebastian Tounekti asked to do more work off the ball. Despite all this, the Frenchman appears to not be one for changing his philosophy, so with that in mind, here’s how we think the Celtic starting XI will look against Roma:
Kasper Schmeichel
The experienced campaigner has been hit and miss so far in the Europa League, but will have to be at his best on Thursday against a star-studded Roma attack.
Auston Trusty
Was solid every game under Martin O’Neill, then had his worst game of the season at the weekend. Being a left footer on the right hand side might take some getting used to for the American.
Liam Scales
You never know what you’re getting from the Irishman in Europe, or indeed domestically. Been solid for the majority of the season but always has that mistake in him.
Kieran Tierney
Now playing a very specific role on the left of the back three, the Celtic boss will have to keep an eye on his fitness. But in terms of his playing ability it’s a role he’s used to playing for the Scotland National Team.
Colby Donovan
Was arguably Man of the Match against Feyenoord and showed maturity beyond his years. He would give the Hoops more defensive stability at wing back than both Yang and Tounekti.
Arne Engels
Had a golden opportunity in the Hearts game but his header was saved. Flourished under Martin O’Neill but we’re yet to see if the new system will suit him.
Callum McGregor
The man who was receiving instructions on the already infamous tactics board against Hearts, he will no doubt be demanding everything from his teammates to put that loss right.
Yang Hyun-jun
With Donovan on the right, either Yang or Tounekti would have to make way at wing-back. We’ve gone for the latter, as the work-rate of the Korean could be important against a European powerhouse.
Reo Hatate
He’s scored against both Midtjylland and Feyenoord, so will be looking to make it three from three. Another one who looked rejuvenated under O’Neill but struggled against Hearts.
Benjamin Nygren
The Swede certainly wasn’t at his best at the weekend, but we think he’ll start again as Nancy tries to bed him in to his new role. Also he’s scored two in the last three in Europe.
Daizen Maeda
Despite Kelechi Iheanacho’s return from injury, we think it’ll be too early for him to start. Maeda had a frustrating afternoon against Hearts, but the fact he continues to get into goal-scoring positions will please his manager.