Ahead of Celtic’s clash with Astana, we at Read Celtic will role-play (not that kind) and predict the starting XI.
We will be playing the role of Brendan Rodgers, and choosing the starting XI and how the team are expected to line-up on the pitch.
It also includes a bit of insight into what we expect from each player, and what they can do to make the difference.
Celtic travel to Kazakhstan to face Astana in the first leg of the third qualifying round for the Champions League group stages.
They will play in the same stadium that saw them fall to a 2-0 defeat to Shakhter Karagandy in their 2013 play-off tie.
Rodgers has a number of defensive injuries, meaning a makeshift defence will have to be fielded in a very important game.
Think your predicted XI is better? Let us know in the comments and you could be picked to have your say on Read Celtic in the future.
Here is our predicted XI for Wednesday afternoon’s Champions League tie with kick-off at 3pm UK time.
Craig Gordon
In goal will unsurprisingly be Craig Gordon as Logan Bailly is out with a broken ankle.
Saidy Janko
At right-back, Saidy Janko will return to the starting line-up after being left on the bench for the second leg against Lincoln Red Imps.
Mikael Lustig
With the defensive injuries piling up, Mikael Lustig will form part of a makeshift central defensive partnership.
Eoghan O'Connell
After scoring in the friendly loss to Leicester at the weekend, Eoghan O’Connell should be given a starting berth in Kazakstan.
Kieran Tierney
At left-back, Kieran Tierney will remain in the side that beat Red Imps at Paradise a week ago.
Callum McGregor
After impressing during last week’s game and linking up well with Roberts, Griffiths and Dembele, Callum McGregor should retain his place in the side.
Scott Brown
The captain Scott Brown will almost certainly retain his place in the team and sit in front of a weakened defence.
Ryan Christie
With plenty of options in midfield, Rodgers has a decision to make, and I believe he should start Ryan Christie in midfield.
Patrick Roberts
On the right wing, Patrick Roberts will start once again after a Man of the Match performance against Red Imps.
Leigh Griffiths
Celtic’s main threat up front is still Leigh Griffiths and should lead the line once again.
James Forrest
One player who looked off at the beginning of the season was James Forrest, but Rodgers has taken a shining to the winger and will likely start on the left wing but wouldn’t be my choice.