Celtic predicted XI vs Celta Vigo: Verdict on front three made as no room for star in Europa League must-win
How we think the Hoops will line up in the Europa League this week
Celtic return to Europa League action this Thursday for matchday three of the competition’s league phase as they host Spanish outfit Celta Vigo.
Manager Martin O’Neill is yet to secure any points so far in the competition, having lost out to Ferencvaros and Benfica in their opening encounters. But despite their European woes, Celtic should go into this one full of confidence following their 7-1 Premiership battering of Hearts on Sunday at Parkhead.
The champions now return to Celtic Park for Thursday’s clash, where the manager will have a few selection thinkers to ponder. Striker Kasper Hogh was left out for the Hearts match - and in his absence an attacking trio of Haissem Hassan, Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand flourished, leaving the Dane’s place in the side vulnerable. With that in mind, here’s how we think Celtic will line up against their ‘Spanish cousins’, using the 4-3-3 formation:
GK - Viljami Sinisalo
Reclaimed number one spot following a brief Sam Johnstone stint. Hasn’t set the world alight recently but is a safer pair of hands.
RB - Colby Donovan
A star performer in recent weeks and has been a more than capable replacement for the injured Alistair Johnston so far.
CB - Dane Murray
Another who has significantly improved. O’Neill likes to have a balanced defence and with him being a right footer, we think he’ll get the nod.
CB - Liam Scales
No room for Auston Trusty of late - and that’s set to continue. Irishman was given the captain’s armband at the weekend when Callum McGregor went off and looks to be first choice.
LB - Kieran Tierney
With Landon Emenalo now in the squad, the Scotland international finally has some competition at left back. But with a goal and assist at the weekend, it’s unlikely he’ll lose his place.
CM - Callum McGregor
A rare rest for the captain in the last half an hour on Sunday means he should be raring to go for this one.
CM - Mika Baur
Newly-capped German international has come back from the international break full of confidence. His late runs into the box are becoming a trademark and offer another attacking dimension.
AM - Benjamin Nygren
Three goals and an assist in his last three outings as Celtic’s resident output machine finds his mojo again. Dropped against Benfica, but at home and on the front foot, he should start on Thursday.
RW - Haissem Hassan
Pace and energy. That’s what the Egyptian has in abundance. He proved at the World Cup he can be a nightmare for any defence.
LW - Callum Osmand
A hamstring niggle perhaps puts his place in doubt, but after a performance like Sunday’s, he simply can’t be dropped. Another whose frightening pace can cause problems.
ST - Camilo Duran
Four goals and two assists since the international break. The Colombian looked sharp through the middle once again last week, leaving no room for Hogh in the starting XI.
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