Celtic’s Champions League draw was as tough as it gets. That goes for any European side, never mind one restricted to a Scottish Premiership budget.
A Spanish team, a German team and an English team. It’s an elite of European football that Celtic haven’t been able to conquer. Heading out of Group C, Celtic’s trip to Manchester City is all about pride and learning ahead of another European tilt next summer.
Fresh off another domestic victory on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers’ men have a very tough set of fixtures ahead in the league as they face a heavy schedule. There are a further seven matches beyond the City game this December, with the next coming as soon as Friday night.
Will that effect team selection? We’re not sure the Bhoys can afford to rotate against a top-class side looking to bounce back from a defeat against Chelsea.
With all that in mind, here’s the Celtic XI that could cause an almighty upset at the Etihad tonight…
GK: Craig Gordon
Craig Gordon finally conceded a domestic goal on Saturday, the phenomenal Louis Moult putting Motherwell ahead in a thrilling 4-3 encounter. The goalkeeper couldn’t do much about any of the goals, which were all finished with aplomb.
He should keep his place in tomorrow’s side, as part of a developing relationship with his central defenders.
If Celtic are to get a result, however, the big Scottish goalkeeper will no doubt have to make a key save or two across the 90 minutes.
RB: Mikael Lustig
Mikael Lustig has been one of Celtic’s best performers this season, in Europe and at home, and should retain his place on the right side of defence.
The defender was caught badly for Motherwell’s second goal on Saturday, though replays show that the Swedish international may have been fouled – so judging him on it could be a little harsh.
He’ll have a tough shift against the attacking talents of City, who have been fielding a 4-1-4-1 formation in Europe this season.
CB: Erik Sviatchenko
The big defender was missing for Celtic’s victory against Motherwell on Saturday through illness, though fans will be keen to see him return to the fold as quickly as possible.
Kolo Toure deputised in heart of defence but looked off the pace after a few weeks missing in the Celtic line-up. Fans may have not worried about Toure’s ability to come in prior to Saturday, but they will now.
Sviatchenko has been a colossus at the back this season and if illness subsides, he should absolutely be first choice vs City.
CB: Jozo Simunovic
Jozo Simunovice is a monster. The big Croatian centre-back did concede 3 goals on Saturday but his storming second half performance was a key part of Celtic’s unlikely comeback.
He had license to surge forward as some sort of bizarre centre-back-come-left-winger and didn’t let much past him.
He’ll be a key player again against City with the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero in as good form as anybody in Europe this season.
LB: Emilio Izaguirre
Celtic’s left-back had a bit of a nightmare on Saturday but with no real replacements for the Honduran international right now, Rodgers will have no choice but to go with him if he opts for a four-man defence.
Motherwell’s Chris Cadden gave him a hell of a game in the first half before he was substituted early on for Callum McGregor.
It may be enough for Rodgers to actually move to a back three against City but we still reckon a back four is the way to go.
What’s sure is that Izaguirre will need to raise his performance levels or else City will find lots of joy down the Hoops’ left side.
CM: Scott Brown
Scott Brown produced another inspiring performance against Motherwell on Saturday, dragging his team forward and spreading play from left to right and back again in Celtic’s efforts to stretch a determined ‘Well side.
The captain has probably been Celtic’s most consistent performer in the Champions League this season, Dembele’s goals aside. If he turns up in Manchester and plays to the best of his ability, then Celtic have a chance.
CM: Stuart Armstrong
It isn’t often this season that Scott Brown has been outshone in the Celtic midfield but that’s what Stuart Armstrong did on Saturday.
With a goal and two assists, Armstrong almost single handedly pulled Celtic through to make a comeback twice against Motherwell.
He’s going from strength to strength under Rodgers and more than deserves an opportunity to test himself against Europe’s best once again, despite struggling in Champions League games this season.
CM: Nir Bitton
We’re giving Nir Bitton a slot in our middle three for Celtic with Rodgers requiring more bodies in the engine room against what is a talented Man City side.
He hasn’t had many starts recently but his passing ability will be very important as Celtic need to be as efficient as possible with the ball.
City are likely to dominate possession but with Armstrong and Brown winning the ball back and Bitton there to intelligently move it on, this is the best midfield Celtic can offer.
RM: James Forrest
Celtic will need width on Tuesday night if they’re to get at Man City at all. James Forrest offers that with pace and the confidence to run directly at defences no matter their reputation.
The winger has six goals for the Hoops this season but he’ll be just as important defensively and will likely have to track back throughout the 90 minutes.
Thankfully for Celtic fans, that’s been his biggest improvement under Brendan Rodgers.
LM: Patrick Roberts
Tuesday night is Patrick Roberts’ chance to shine against his parent club and show the Man City fans what they’ve been missing this season.
A special clause as part of his loan deal to Celtic, Roberts has permission to play against City and we reckon Rodgers will use him.
What better motivation than the opportunity to impress your manager by playing against him? If he can forge a starring role for Celtic, it’ll likely make headlines in England and across Europe.
Is he ready to step up and be the thorn in City’s side?
ST: Moussa Dembele
The rumours about Dembele’s departure from Celtic won’t go away but it hasn’t stopped the young Frenchman from focusing on his game and continuing to perform for the Hoops.
He didn’t score against Motherwell but did have a clear opportunity on goal in the final seconds before the referee bizarrely whistled for full-time.
At 17 goals, including five in Europe, there’s no-one better at finding the net for Celtic this season. If the Bhoys are to do the unthinkable then we’d expect this man’s name to be on scoresheet.
He did score twice against them at Celtic Park, after all.