Ahead of Celtic’s pre-season friendly against BW Linz in Austria, 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 will be choosing the starting XI, as well as predicting how the team will 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.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are back in action for the first time since defeating Aberdeen to win an historic treble on 27th May.
The Hoops kick-off their pre-season tour against Austrian second-tier side BW Linz in Rohrbach on Wednesday.
Rodgers is likely to field a weaker team given the occasion though a few first-team players may feature.
To understand our prediction, you also need to see the latest team news ahead of the game. Here is our predicted eleven in a 4-2-3-1 formation for Wednesday’s match.
Dorus de Vries
Rarely featured last season but should be given some minutes on the pitch on the run-up to the next campaign.
Anthony Ralston
The 18-year-old impressed on his first appearance under Rodgers earlier last season in a 4-1 win over St. Johnstone. His maturity and build is a valuable asset to the squad. Should be given another opportunity to impress.
Erik Sviatchenko
Lost his place in the starting eleven but will look to win it back as we approach the new season.
Kristoffer Ajer
The youngster spent last season out on-loan at Kilmarnock and impressed when given the chance. May feature in the upcoming game as he looks to gain first-team experience.
Kieran Tierney
Could start on Wednesday, though may not play the full 90.
Eboue Kouassi
The young Ivorian has mainly featured coming off the bench since signing from Krasnodar in January, and should be given another chance from the start to show why Rodgers signed him in the first place.
Nir Bitton
Hasn’t done much to impress recently. Could start against BW Linz and be used as a rotational player.
James Forrest
Lost his place in the team to loanee Patrick Roberts, but with the tricky winger returning to Man City, Forrest may get another opportunity to prove his worth to the team.
Callum McGregor
Could start just behind the striker on Wednesday. Will hope to continue performing like he did for so much of last season.
Jonny Hayes
Brendan Rodgers’ first and only signing of the transfer window so far. Hayes may be handed his debut in Wednesday’s game.
Moussa Dembele
Hasn’t featured since the 2-0 win over Rangers at Hampden in April. Is back fit now and will hope to regain his match fitness.