Ahead of Celtic’s trip to face Anderlecht in match day two of the Champions League group stages, 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.
The Hoops return to action after a convincing 2-0 victory at Ibrox on Saturday while the Belgian champions are seventh in their domestic league after coming from behind to win 2-1.
Rodgers’ men are looking to get their first points on the board in the group stages of Europe’s elite competition.
Made some good saves at the weekend. Will look to make it three clean sheets in a row.
Mikael Lustig
Has plenty of experience in these sort of games. A good defensive display could benefit the team in many ways.
Dedryck Boyata
Was solid at the weekend. With the Belgian back from injury the partnership between him and Jozo can continue.
Jozo Simunovic
Too big a player to drop, especially for a game of this magnitude.
Kieran Tierney
Played a crucial part in Saturday’s win. His low-driven balls into the box cause problems frequently so getting down that left-wing and creating chances is vital in getting the upper hand.
Scott Brown
Will look to command the midfield once again, especially after his fine performance against Rangers. Stepping up in Europe is important in helping his team stand a chance of winning.
Olivier Ntcham
His physicality and range of passing will be needed against a solid outfit like Anderlecht. Good chance he’ll start ahead of Armstrong.
James Forrest
Roberts was brilliant on on Saturday, but Forrest will come back into the team having scored four goals in his last two starts and offers more solidity defensively to combat Anderlecht’s main threat down the left wing.
Tom Rogic
Got on the scoresheet against Rangers. Carried the ball forward on numerous occasions and always looked a threat.
Scott Sinclair
Covered a lot of ground in the previous match and always looked ready to attack. The same sort of performance on Wednesday will hopefully cause the Anderlecht defence problems.
Moussa Dembele
A strong performance away from home is needed and Rodgers will look to the physical presence and work rate of Dembele up front. Griffiths will provide a good option off the bench.