It’s the last chance saloon in terms of European football for Celtic tonight.
Ange Postecoglou’ s team already know that their Champions League participation will end after they face Real Madrid at the beginning of November. But they could still drop into the Europa League if they can snatch third from next opponents Shakhtar Donetsk. However, they must beat the Ukrainians tonight to stand any chance.
Then a result against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu is required whilst hoping RB Leipzig take care of Shakhtar. That’s a big ask but a worry for another day with the focus simply on winning at Parkhead this evening. Ange Postecoglou’s team should have beaten them in Warsaw on matchday two, but passed up a plethora of chances to put the game to bed and had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Igor Jovecievic’s men still have the last 16 in their sights so have their own motivation for victory.
Postecoglou made some changes for the weekend win over Hearts that saw VAR explode into action on its maiden weekend in the Scottish Premiership. Alexandro Bernabei was handed a rare start, but was given the runaround by Josh Ginnelly and was replaced by eventual matchwinner Greg Taylor.
Giorgos Giakoumakis started in place of Kyogo and headed home Celtic’s equaliser. However, Kyogo could return to the starting line up after netting in the Premier Sports Cup win over Motherwell last Wednesday.
Jota is still missing through injury so there’s an opportunity for James Forrest to continue out wide with Liel Abada on the other side. Forrest was amongst the goals against one half of Edinburgh again at the weekend as he nodded home the opener.
Anthony Ralston saw the ref’s whistle deny him a goal against Hearts. He started at right back, but expect Josip Juranovic to return for tonight’s game.
Predicted Celtic XI
Celtic: Hart, Juranovic, Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Taylor, Mooy, O'Riley, Hatate, Forrest, Abada, Kyogo.
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