Celtic fans are an optimistic bunch and despite some ruling out their chances of qualifying from Group C, hopes are high amongst the Bhoys fans here in the Tavern.
They currently sit third in their Champions League Group with one point from two games.
Still, with Manchester City and Barcelona meeting in the week too, if Celtic can get three points against Monchengladbach, then this group becomes open once again.
The landlord in here is feeling pretty optimistic and he really knows his Champions League football.
But it’s not going to be easy for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who face a Borussia side sitting eighth in the Bundesliga.
However, we’re tipping them to get all three points at Celtic Park in front of a noisy home crowd who can really help their side to victory.
So with that in mind, here’s our Celtic XI that will overcome Monchengladbach on Wednesday evening…
GK: Craig Gordon
Craig Gordon is a pretty standard choice in the Celtic goal and we’re expecting him to remain between the sticks for the game against Monchengladbach.
He kept another clean sheet in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Motherwell and he looked assured too.
RB: Cristian Gamboa
Gamboa made his first league start of the campaign at Celtic Park this weekend and his pace offers Celtic a real outlet down that right-hand side.
The former Baggies man has had to be patient in his pursuit of a first-team start but he showed plenty of promise in the game against Motherwell and could be rewarded with a start against the Germans.
CB: Kolo Toure
His experience of the Champions League will be massive for the Bhoys as they attempt to win their first Champions League group game of the season.
He’s done it all in the past with Liverpool and might make a good selection on Wednesday evening.
CB: Erik Sviatchenko
Vice-captain Erik Sviatchenko is most likely going to be on the team sheet for the game against Borussia and his experience will be crucial if Celtic are to get the win.
Despite being just 25-years-old, he’s got a handful of caps for the national side and has played over 115 times for former club FC Midtjylland, where he had a taste of European action too.
LB: Kieran Tierney
Left-back Kieran Tierney has definitely been one of Celtic’s standout players so far this season and his progression from the academy to first-team has been absolutely remarkable.
He gave a man-of-the-match performance against Motherwell and he will start at left-back in the Champions League crunch tie on Wednesday.
RM: James Forrest
If there is a man who is going to give you pace, power and directness down the flank, it’s Celtic wide-man James Forrest.
He will have to have a huge game if Celtic are to come away from the game with three points and he will be looking to drive at the Monchengladbach defence when given the opportunity.
CM: Scott Brown
Love him or loathe him, Scott Brown is the heartbeat of this Celtic midfield and when he’s on form, he can have a huge impact for the Bhoys.
He’s aggressive, tough-tackling and experienced and he’ll know exactly how to play this one if his team have any chance of getting the win.
CM: Liam Henderson
20-year-old midfielder Liam Henderson has enjoyed quite a breakthrough season under Brendan Rodgers this campaign and he could be rewarded with a start against Monchengladbach.
He played the full 90 minutes against Motherwell and gave another assuring display in the middle-of-the-park which could earn him a start in the crunch Champions League tie.
LM: Patrick Roberts
We’d love to see Patrick Roberts start this one and really attack the Borussia defence in a game the Hoops simply have to win to have a chance to qualify.
It’d be easier for Rodgers to play it safe but in a game where they need goals, Roberts would give a definite attacking edge going forward.
ST: Moussa Dembele
French forward Moussa Dembele has had a sparkling start to the season and he will be the man Celtic fans will look to provide the goals in the game against Borussia.
He’s lightning quick, knows where the goal is and most importantly, is in good form.
He dispatched a penalty in the game against Motherwell and will look to add to his tally in the Champions League.
ST: Scott Sinclair
Another Celtic summer signing who has been fantastic form for the Bhoys this season, Scott Sinclair will have to have another good game if his side are to keep their Champions League hopes alive on Wednesday.
He got the first against Motherwell and his pace will be crucial in creating chances on Wednesday evening.
If he and Dembele can get firing, they could have real success going forward.
