With Manchester City already securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League last 16, fans in the Transfer Tavern can relax whilst watching their next game in the competition.
With a stellar win against Barcelona under their belt, Pep Guardiola’s men would be disappointed not to be challenging to be top of the group.
In fact, the visit of the Hoops is a somewhat make-or-break fixture in that regard to say the least.
However, away results have let City down dropping points on their travels in Europe this season.
The last encounter with Celtic proved to be a thriller with a Moussa Dembele inspired Celtic shocking City initially in a 3-3 draw.
City will want to put that result right and show what they are capable off and if they play to their potential, it is hard not to see them taking all 3 points by a comfortable margin.
So, with that in mind, here’s the XI to help them do it.
GK: Willy Caballero
With City already through in the competition, Caballero may get his chance instead of first choice, Claudio Bravo.
Could be a big night, with the Chilean looking shaky at times.
RB: Pablo Zabaleta
Expect Pablo Zabaleta to be rotated in for this game ahead preferred Premier League choice, Bacary Sagna.
Don’t be surprised to see a random midfielder (Fernandinho or Fernando) at right-back either, such is Guardiola’s penchant for tinkering.
CB: John Stones
Currently learning his trade under Guardiola, Stones will be instructed to play from the back in this relatively low-pressure game.
CB: Alexander Kolarov
With City’s qualification guaranteed, expect Guardiola to rest Nicolas Otamendi and play make shift centre-back Kolarov, who has looked relatively assured in that berth at times this season.
LB: Gael Clichy
With Kolarov moon lighting as a centre back, Clichy will slot into his familiar role at left-back.
Under pressure to stake a genuine claim to be a City player going forward.
CDM: Ilkay Gündogan
After not featuring in the Premier League since the emergence of Yaya Toure, Gündogan will be looking to impress and win back his place in City’s midfield.
Could be in for a fruitful evening.
CDM: Alex Garcia Serrano
Guardiola will see this as a great fixture to blood youth into a European competition and Alex Garcia could be a beneficiary of that.
Looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
RW: Jesus Navas
Will be looking to get in behind the full back and provide width to City’s attack.
Though Celtic have little to play for other than pride, expect them to bomb forward in typical Brendan Rodgers style.
CAM: Nolito
Will be looking to do the double over Celtic, after scoring at Celtic Park in the reverse fixture.
An early stalwart of Guardiola’s side, the Spaniard will surely be looking to reinstate himself in that regard.
LW: Leroy Sané
Sané’s opportunities have been limited so far this season and will be hoping to grab an opportunity vs Celtic.
Perhaps this could be his night to shine under Guardiola.
ST: Kelechi Iheanacho
Seemingly scores every time he pulls on a City shirt, the Nigerian will have every confidence of bagging again vs Celtic’s defence.
