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Breaking News: Brendan Rodgers’ Decision Shakes Up Celtic XI vs Bayern Munich lineup as ‘Extraordinary Player’ to Start
Celtic are ready for their first UEFA Champions League knockout round match in 12 years, hosting German superpower Bayern Munich at Parkhead Thursday evening.
The Hoops took full advantage of the restructured competition’s new league phase format, aiming to reach the final 16 of Europe’s flagship tournament against Bundesliga powers who understand what it takes to succeed on the greatest platform.
The Scottish champions have never beaten Bayern in four previous encounters, but Brendan Rodgers’ side have earned impressive results on their travels to Atalanta and Dinamo Zagreb this season to underline the progress made this term against some of the best clubs on the continent.
Celtic head into this mouthwatering play-off first-leg unbeaten across all competitions on home soil so far this season – an incredible run stretching back of December 2023. They picked up 10 of their 12 group phase points in Glasgow’s east end to regain some pride and status on the top European stage after years of disappointment.
Now, they will try to make history by moving one step closer to a last-16 spot, and manager Rodgers has been fortunate to have minimal injury concerns heading into this crucial game, with only winger James Forrest (foot) out.
During his pre-match media conference on Tuesday, a confident Rodgers urged his players to keep the tie “alive” before going to Munich for the return leg next week.
“Bayern Munich are one of the giants of the European game,” he admitted. “They really are football royalty in terms of what they’ve achieved over many, many years at this level.
“For us to be in a position where we can challenge them is a great marker for us. I know with our game, all our running power and physicality – which is something we’re really improved on at this level – then anything is possible.
“What is important for us is that we’re very much alive in the tie going over to Germany. We want to go and perform. We’re not freightened to lose. If we can perform well, as we’ve shown in this competition especially at home, hopefully we can get what we deserve.”
Celtic predicted line up vs Bayern Munich (4-3-3)
GK – Kasper Schmeichel
A back injury prevent the Danish international from featuring against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, despite intimating he wants to play every single minutes he can this season. That rest could prove a blessing in disguise.
“For us to be in a position where we can challenge them is a great marker for us. I know with our game, all our running power and physicality – which is something we’re really improved on at this level – then anything is possible.
“What is important for us is that we’re very much alive in the tie going over to Germany. We want to go and perform. We’re not freightened to lose. If we can perform well, as we’ve shown in this competition especially at home, hopefully we can get what we deserve.”
Celtic predicted line up vs Bayern Munich (4-3-3)
GK – Kasper Schmeichel
A back injury prevent the Danish international from featuring against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, despite intimating he wants to play every single minutes he can this season. That rest could prove a blessing in disguise.
RB – Alistair Johnston
To put it simply, the Canadian is not on the same level as Anthony Ralston at this level. His positional awareness, ability to move up and down the right side, and ability to carry out his defensive duties with minimal fuss make him the first choice for the position.
RCB – Cameron Carter-Vickers
LCB – Auston Trusty
Has formed a strong partnership with CCV ever since joining the club, which makes him a hard player to drop in order to maintain in the injy
LB – Greg Taylor
Has gained plenty of European experience at the highest level over the year and should be given the nod over experienced campaigner Jeffrey Schlupp, who made his first start for the club at the weekend.
CDM – Callum McGregor
The skipper has only missed two games so far this season due to a brief injury lay-off. Hooked after an hour against Dundee to keep him relatively fresh and will feature again in the deep-lying midfield role.
CM – Arne Engels
Celtic’s £11m man has shown glimpses in spells of what he’s capable off in a hoops jersey but needs to put a full 90 mins together.
CM – Reo Hatate
Another chance for the Japanese utility man to step up to the plate, having previously done so to good effect in the Champions League. Can often blow hot or cold in these elite games, so he needs to put that all together now.
RW – Nicolas Kuhn
Concerns linger over the Jota’s fitness and whether he is ready to play a full 90 mins. It’s for that reason we think the German wide man gets the nod over his Portuguese teammate, even though he hasn’t quite reached the high levels he set earlier in the campaign of late.
LW – Daizen Maeda
Rodgers thought he would be without his Japanese star following a red card against BSC Young Boys on matchday seven of the League Phase. The versatile forward sat out of the 4-2 defeat away at Aston Villa, with UEFA hitting the player with a further match suspension, but the Glasgow giants appealed the decision and won the case, ensuring Maeda will be free to start if selected. On current form, he’s undroppable.
CF: Adam Idah
He appears to have found his shooting boots in recent weeks, with a brace against Aston Villa, followed by goals against Motherwell and Dundee to break a relatively dry run of form. He refreshed himself over the weekend, as did many of his teammates, and should be ready to go on this occasion.”
Subs: Sinisalo (GK), Scales, Jota, Yang, McCowan, Schlupp, Nawrocki, Kenny, Bernardo, Ralston
