Celtic’s latest venture into the Champions League sees Brendan Rodgers take his side to Spain to face the might of Atletico Madrid.
The first encounter between the two ended up in a thrilling 2-2 draw after goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma were cancelled out by an Antoine Griezmann penalty and an Alvaro Morata header.
Celtic still languish bottom of Group E knowing that taking nothing from tonight’s game leaves them with a monumental task to get out of the group.
Brendan Rodgers’ team selection against Ross County at the weekend suggested that the Celtic manager had Atletico in mind and here, TBR Celtic offer our Predicted XI to face the La Liga giants tonight.
Brendan Rodgers rings in the changes for Celtic vs Atletico
The Celtic manager gave a few fringe players a run out at Dingwall and rested the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley and Alistair Johnston.
The Japanese striker made a second-half appearance and I have him starting tonight against Diego Simeone’s side.
His movement, pace and closing down will be crucial as Celtic look to hit on the counter. Matt O’Riley rejoins the starting lineup in beside Callum McGregor as David Turnbull drops out in favour of Paulo Bernardo.
The Portuguese was excellent in the first tie at Celtic Park and Rodgers will be looking for more of the same dynamism and athleticism he showed that night.
The midfield three that ended the 2-2 draw with Atletico at Celtic Park will be pivotal in helping to stave off the threat of midfield playmaker, Saul Niguez.
Alistair Johnston also returns to the starting lineup in place of Anthony Ralston and, as I explained this morning, the ‘wonderful’ James Forrest gets a start ahead of Hyunjun Yang.
Forrest will help Maeda create width for an out ball and his pace will be important on the counter-attack also.
Celtic Predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid
Score Prediction: My heart says Atletico Madrid 1 v 1 Celtic but head says a narrow 2-1 defeat.
In other news, ‘I cannot lie’: ‘Powerful’ player Celtic sold in January opens up on his relationship with Ange Postecoglou