It’s not been the best of starts for Celtic in the Champions League after they were smashed by Barcelona on the first matchday of their campaign.
After waiting so long to rub shoulders with the continent’s elite, things don’t get easier for the Scottish champions as Manchester City prepare to roll into town.
While the Premier League giants have quite frankly looked unstoppable in recent weeks, the prospect of taking on the Hoops at their famous home is one to be concerned about.
The nature of City’s performances of late clearly makes Pep Guardiola’s side strong favourites, though the Bhoys at home in the Champions League can certainly spring a surprise.
Brendan Rodgers saw his side warm up well for the game by smashing Kilmarnock 6-1, though Guardiola’s slick side represent a whole different kettle of fish.
They will have to rely heavily on the unique atmosphere so prevalent at Parkhead an awful lot, but is this the side to give Celtic the best chance?
GK: Craig Gordon
Neither Craig Gordon or Doris de Vries have looked completely convincing between the sticks so far this term, though the former is the more experienced out of the two.
A strong shot stopper on his day, Gordon will have it all to do.
RB: Mikael Lustig
Mikael Lustig is the best right-back at the club, though in truth, doesn’t have too much competition.
Not tested all too much in domestic football, the Swede simply must improve his positional awareness.
CB: Kolo Toure
The Ivorian has previous with City and is by far the most experienced player in the Celtic squad.
Stepped up to the big occasion for Liverpool when they played Real Madrid in the Champions League and will need to replicate that sort of performance.
CB: Erik Sviatchenko
The Danish defender will have to be the more mobile central defender, stepping out to dispose the likes of David Silva from running riot in the Hoops’ final third.
LB: Kieran Tierney
In a market with a complete dearth for top-class full-backs, Kieran Tierney is undoubtedly one of the most promising in Britain.
Will have it all to do to keep up with perhaps the most complex frontline outside of Barcelona.
CM: Scott Brown
Though Scott Brown’s performances have improved in recent weeks, the former Scotland captain will need to step it up a level Wednesday night.
It will be impossible for him to keep up with City’s midfield, meaning the former Hibernian man will desperately need to keep a disciplined role in shielding the back four.
CM: Nir Bitton
Has proved an effective foil for Brown, pushing forward and dropping deep in tandem with the Scot.
However, the Israeli will need to mirror his teammate, creating a shield when City inventively and inevitably boss the ball.
RAM: James Forrest
Rejuvenated under Rodgers, James Forrest’s pace up and down the flanks will be the key asset available to the SPFL champions.
On the counter, the Scotland international is one of the most dangerous players available to the Hoops.
CAM: Tom Rogic
When Guardiola’s side are passing the ball about, Rogic will be tasked with dropping into a midfield three.
Still, the Austrailian is a palpable threat from range and will be expected to support the attack when Celtic spring a counter.
LAM: Scott Sinclair
Certainly has a point to prove after seeing his career stall at City, Scott Sinclair has impressed in Scotland so far.
Like Forrest on the other flank, his pace and incisive cutting in to support a central striker will be of concern to Guardiola.
ST: Leigh Griffiths
He’s back.
Mousa Dembele’s harrowing experience in the Camp Nou should afford Leigh Griffiths a starting berth, with his lethal finishing and electric movement a major point of Celtic’s attack.
