Celtic welcome German giants RB Leipzig to Glasgow tomorrow in an eagerly awaited Champions League tie. Marco Rose’s men have experienced a season of mixed fortunes, sitting second in the Bundesliga but yet to pick up a point on the continental stage. How then, do the Hoops mitigate a quality outfit hungry to get off the mark? Here on Last Word on Football, we answer just that with our Celtic predicted lineup.
Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Leipzig
How Celtic have Lined up Recently
We got a glimpse of what Brendan Rodgers regards as his strongest eleven, as he went full strength at the weekend for Celtic’s six-nil routing of Aberdeen. Kasper Schmeichel started in goal, while Alistair Johnson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Alex Valle formed a formidable back four. Brendan Rodgers explained his thinking behind favouring two of his new signings ahead of established starters Greg Taylor and Liam Scales, saying that it was down to “pace”, (particularly with the £6 million centre-back from Sheffield United.)
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In midfield, Callum McGregor returned to the fold with Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in front. It was a three which rarely gave their opponents a minute to breath, and showed superior quality in more ways than one.
Up front, Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda showed incredible pace and dynamism which slaughtered the Dons backline all evening.
Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics
Domestically the Champions emphasised their dominance by swatting aside their nearest rivals Aberdeen by six goals to nil. In a barely competitive match they booked a place in the final against a struggling Rangers side. It means they are still unbeaten domestically, with just six goals conceded.\
Out of possession – as rare as that was – they hunted in packs. Maeda, Kuhn and Engels were particularly impressive with how often they forced turnovers. Rodgers’ men pressed in a 4-4-2 shape with Reo Hatate and Kyogo cutting off any central lanes that Aberdeen wished to use for progressing the game through the middle of the pitch.
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In possession, they aimed to get their fullbacks in the half spaces when Aberdeen where in a low block. This allowed for midfield runners in behind plus on the right side for Kuhn to hug the touchline and typically link up so well with Johnson.
On the break they were incredibly direct, getting behind the Aberdeen defensive line with ease as we saw for the third goal, with the speed of the front three simply too much to handle for Thelin’s side.
Yet, Leipzig will be a different kettle of fish, so Saturday’s tactical outlook may have little relevance.
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In the league format, the Glaswegian side have picked up four points from the opening three games. Again though, it’s hard to predict what we will see based on the previous three ties. At home to Bratislava was a breeze and, with the greatest of respect to the Slovakian outfit, they performed more like a Conference League side. Away games to Dortmund and Atalanta saw opposition of similar quality to Leipzig, but the nature of being at Celtic Park changes the dynamic. Sure, the Scottish Champions will have to suffer at times, but you would expect a more front foot set up than the one that earned them a goalless draw in Italy.
As Dortmund showed though, it’s essential to stay compact. Otherwise, it could be a long night.
Celtic Injuries to Consider
Luckily for the home side, there is no one on the treatment table.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
The midfield and front line is nailed on, as is the goalkeeping situation. The only area of contention was the back four, however with Valle being subbed off on the hour mark at the weekend, it’s clear that he is being rested for this mammoth tie. Moreover, Trusty’s speed and physical presence will be a necessity, even if Scales box-defending is first class. Therefore, it’s an unchanged side from the hammering of the Dons.
(4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel
Alistair Johnson
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Auston Trusty
Alex Valle
Callum McGrgegor
Arne Engels
Reo Hatate
Nicolas Kuhn
Kyogo
Daizen Maeda
