With Celtic’s Champions League failure a major disappointment to a season that has otherwise started so well, Neil Lennon will surely be desperate to try and get his Europa League campaign off to a promising start.
Indeed, the Hoops travel to France as they take on Rennes, a side who progressed into the round of 16 last season, only to lose to Arsenal, so it’s not exactly an easy start for the Scottish champions.
After five games in Ligue 1, Rennes sit comfortably in 2nd place as they’ve won three, drawn one and lost one. With Lazio and CFR Cluj in their group as well, Celtic will certainly have to be at their very best to progress on through the competition.
So, how do they do that? Well, perhaps fielding our predicted XI would help.
Mikey Johnston is still recovering from a groin strain so will not take part in the match against Rennes, meaning Mohammed Elyounoussi could be in line to start in France. A late loan signing from Southampton, the former Basel man has been praised by his boss for some of his early performances in green and white and has scored 3 goals in 7 appearances in this competition over the course of his career.
Odsonne Edouard could lead the line in attack once again as he hopes to add to his six goals and five assists so far this season (via Transfermarkt).
Jozo Simunovic faces weeks out but Christopher Jullien, who suffered a head knock against Hamilton, should be fine to start against Rennes, who he has previous against. A former Toulouse player obviously, the defender has lost just two of his 6 meetings with the Ligue 1 side, registering an assist along the way.
How would you line up? Join the discussion by commenting below…
