Celtic Predicted XI v: AC Milan (H)

The Hoops will look to bounce back from derby day defeat as they host Serie A leaders AC Milan in their Europa League Group H opener. 

Let’s not sugarcoat it: we were abysmal on Saturday and lacked any fight, desire or hunger to actually win the game. The team looked content for things to remain the same when Rangers doubled their lead. Serious questions have, and will continue, to be asked of the players and manager if things don’t change.

Thursday poses a new challenge for Lennon and co, which comes in the form of one of Italy’s biggest clubs, AC Milan. The Rossoneri were involved in another one of Europe’s biggest and fiercest rivalries at the weekend; a Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace was enough to fire Milan top of the table with a 2-1 win over Inter; Stefano Pioli’s side have won four from four in Serie A (scoring nine and conceding just one goal in the process). 

So it’s fair to say it’s a tough task for the Scottish champions, though it’s one that would give them a much needed boost if they were to get a result (a big ‘if’, that is). 

Whether Lennon sticks with 3-5-2 or decides to shake things up in order to combat Milan’s attack remains to be seen; could we see the return of a 4-2-3-1?

Jullien (back), Edouard (protocals and testing), Elhamed/Bitton (isolating), Forrest (ankle) and Johnston (surgery) are all unavailable for Celtic; Ryan Christie is back in the squad.