Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou hasn't been short on iconic soundbites since arriving at Parkhead last summer.
And his "champions, that's who we are" reflection on title day last season never felt more relevant as the Scottish Premiership kingpins sickened St Johnstone after Giorgos Giakoumakis' last-gasp winner – around two minutes after Alex Mitchell's injury-time leveller at McDiarmid Park. The character and belief running through Celtic cannot be questioned. However, they head into their blockbuster rematch against Leipzig playing below their best.
And 60,000 passionate punters on a Champions League night have a way to inspire but it will take more than a raucous atmosphere in Glasgow's east end to knock off big-spending RB Leipzig. Chelsea-bound Christoper Nkunku is a special talent and he headlines a front four with a market value in excess of £120million. This is no easy feat. But glittering opposition have been defeated before and a win for Celtic would see them reignite their dreams of reaching the last 16.
If – and there's plenty work still to be done – they secure consecutive wins against the Germans and Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid defeat the same opponents then they will be through to the knockout stages before their long-awaited pilgrimage to the Bernabeu in November. Postecoglou knows his team must be on it and Record Sport runs the rule over the major decisions the Australian will have to mull over ahead of Tuesday night's big one.
Daiz and frights
Daizen Maeda was having a tough day at the office before his blind pass back into his own box just as St Johnstone were gaining steam on Saturday. The Japan international was well off the pace as his uncertain first touch and wonky link-up play added further strain amid an unceremonious 45-minute cameo after replacing Jota at the break. Maeda's work-rate and application is unquestionable, however, his gilt-edged misses against Real Madrid and Shakhtar appear to be weighing heavy. And, dare we say, it, his electric pace when closing down the opposition appears to desert him as he tries to take the ball beyond his opponent when isolated in one vs one situations. His dedication to cause cannot be understated but a starting berth against Leipzig appears a long shot. A front three of Jota, Kyogo and Liel Abada would certainly prove popular with punters.
Sead the perfect 10?
Sead Haksabanovic's searing ball across the box forced Andrew Considine to turn the ball into his own net for the opener. But the Montenegro international's impact at McDiarmid Park didn't end with his contribution to find the back of the net. The former Rubin Kazan man started as a No.10 with Matt O'Riley dropping back to partner the thrilling Reo Hatate with skipper Callum McGregor out. And Haksabanovic made the most of it with a series of driving runs to break the lines and bring others into the game. The 23-year-old has an uncanny ability to take the ball in tight spaces before revving through the gears and escaping the opposition. It appears the type of trait which makes Angeball bounce and his 90 minutes in Perth make a prime candidate to start against Leipzig
Room for Mooy?
If, and there's no guarantees Postecoglou will, there's a layer of pragmatism added then Aaron Mooy appears the most likely candidate to start in McGregor's role on Tuesday night. James McCarthy was excellent off the bench with his role in Giakoumakis' winner but it would appear a long shot for the Ireland international to go from cameo man to starring role. Oliver Abildgaard appears still to be working his was up to full speed. Mooy's record at international level for Australia should translate well to the Champions League but, perhaps, a midfield three of Hatate, O'Riley and Haksabanovic offers Celtic the attacking swagger needed on a night when three points are a necessity.
Chris of strife
How do you solve a problem like Nkunku? The Leipzig star appears a bonafide world superstar in the making with Chelsea on the verge of making him the marquee arrival to spark the Graham Potter era. And his versatility is the calling card which cause the opposition strife. The France international is equally adept at creating as he is at find the back of the net. And, perhaps, the forward's unmatched versatility will play a definitive decision on how Postecoglou lines up. Timo Werner is a household name but it's Nkunku's brilliance which makes them tick.
Bern again?
Alexandro Bernabei's was the man who set up Giakoumakis' winner and he enjoyed a positive performance at McDiarmid Park. His defensive sensibility was noticeable and he was an attacking force in the first half. His passing went haywire in the second half with several dinked balls to Maeda being returned in the same direction. He even received advice from Postecoglou from touchline to keep an eye out on balls into middle of the park rather than going down the wing. There was plenty to like but it would be a shock if the rested Greg Taylor doesn't return to starting XI. However, the signs are promising for Bernabei and the chance to build on his efforts at the weekend.
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