A big few days are ahead for the Hoops, starting with a journey to Stockholm to face AIK in the second-leg of the Europa League play-off.
Neil Lennon’s men put in a stellar performance in the first-leg and were rewarded with a 2-0 win. Second-half goals from James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard slightly ease the pressure going into Thursday’s second-leg.
The Scottish champions returned to league action at the weekend and racked up another three points in their 3-1 over Hearts at Celtic Park.
Lennon will have a lot of thinking to do in order to manage his squad’s fitness ahead of AIK on Thursday and their trip to Ibrox on Sunday.
With a clean-sheet and a two-goal lead, the Hoops are in a strong position to progress into the group stages and secure European football until December. Though work is still to be done to ensure that becomes a reality.
Here is our Celtic predicted XI for Thursday evening’s match.
GK: Fraser Forster
Went straight into the team for Sunday’s win over Hearts. Should start once again in what will be his European return.
RB: Hatem Abd Elhamed
Returned to training ahead of the game and looks like he’ll be fit. His composure will be needed.
CB: Kristoffer Ajer
Did a fantastic job of filling in at right-back for the injured Elhamed, but will likely return to centre-half duty ahead of a big night.
CB: Christopher Jullien
Forming a partnership with Ajer at the back is vital. The defence will have to bring their A-game on Thursday.
LB: Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo
Remains first-choice left-back. Will need to be focused and stay tight at the back.
CM: Callum McGregor (C)
A big call, but Lennon could rest Brown to keep him fresh for Sunday. McGregor may be given captaincy in his place.
The boss could decide to start Brown after all, though.
CM: Olivier Ntcham
The silky Frenchman could start alongisde McGregor in the middle to keep things composed.
RM: James Forrest
Will look to make it two goals in two games against AIK. Can hopefully threaten the opposing defence as much as possible.
CAM: Ryan Christie
Has great attacking awareness and could run for days. His quality will be important if we are to threaten going forward.
LM: Mikey Johnston
Came on for half-an-hour on Sunday to maintain fitness and get some game-time ahead of this clash.
ST: Odsonne Edouard
His curling free-kick in the first-leg summed up what was a terrific performance. He’ll go once again.