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Celtic vs. Linfield Preview: Champions League Leg 1 tie

ByConall McCourt|
CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 03: The Champions League trophy is seen prior to the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at National Stadium of Wales on June 3, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES - JUNE 03: The Champions League trophy is seen prior to the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at National Stadium of Wales on June 3, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Today may be a time of controversy in the north of Ireland with the marching season drawing to a close. However, the drama may not be over as the the bhoys are back in town.

The last time Celtic played a competitive game in Belfast was in 2013 when they took on Ciftonville in the north of the city. Things are a bit different this time around though, Celtic and Cliftonville fans are often synonymous, However, Linfield are self proclaimed ‘brothers in arms’ with the auld enemy from the other side of Glasgow. Something that boss David Healy has been keen to highlight in the run up to the game.

As I have mentioned in previous articles Windsor Park (the home of Linfield) will be packed to the rafters and with the Celtic board taking the decision to refuse their ticket allocation, it will not be a friendly atmosphere for the hoops.

Having said that I fully expect the Celts to trounce the ‘blues’ both home and away. Linfield will have the home advantage and a bit of a spring in their step as they are not used to playing in such a high profile game. But I believe that Brendan Rodgers men will have too much quality for the Irish Champions who barely scraped by minnows La Fiorita of San Marino in the last round.

How I expect the teams to set up

Celtic

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 12: Celtic captain Scott Brown and Patrick Roberts at the final whistle during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 12: Celtic captain Scott Brown and Patrick Roberts at the final whistle during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on March 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

The Carnlough native received a massive boost on the eve of the tie as reports suggest that skipper Scott Brown will be available for selection. The hoops captain was considered a doubt after he hobbled off in the hoops recent 9-0 drubbing of Dublin side Shamrock Rovers. This means that the Celts are pretty much at full strength with the exception of Belgian center half Dedryck Boyata who is expected to be on the sidelines for a few months.

Celtic will more than likely start in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation –

Craig Gordon

Mikael Lustig

Joze Simunovic

Kieran Tierney

Scott Brown

Stuart Armstrong

James Forrest

Tom Rogic

Scott Sinclair

Moussa Dembele

Linfield

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 13: Linfield manager David Healy answers questions from reporters during a press conference at Windsor park on July 13, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Linfield play Celtic in a Champions League qualifier at Windsor park tomorrow afternoon, the tie was originally moved from the 12th of July due to concerns about potential trouble concerning the tie given the significance of the date in Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 13: Linfield manager David Healy answers questions from reporters during a press conference at Windsor park on July 13, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Linfield play Celtic in a Champions League qualifier at Windsor park tomorrow afternoon, the tie was originally moved from the 12th of July due to concerns about potential trouble concerning the tie given the significance of the date in Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

David Healy’s men will be without former Glentoran Centre half Jimmy Callagher and will likely play in a 4-5-1. They will attempt to pack the midfield giving the hoops very little time on the ball to be creative. They will likely line up as follows.

Roy Carroll

Andy Mitchell

Mark Stafford

Mark Haughey

Paul Smyth

Robert Garrett

Jamie Mulgrew

Stephen Lowry

Niall Quinn

Andy Waterworth

Kick off time

Hoops fans should be aware that kick off time will be earlier than usual at 5pm GMT/Noon Eastern time for fans in the states. The game itself is sure to be a spectacle, we can only hope the ‘invincibles’ pick up where they left off against Shamrock Rovers.

Next: How to watch Celtic vs. Linfield

Predictions

Conall – Linfield 0-4 Celtic

Andy – Linfield 1 – 3 Celtic

There won’t be a repeat of last season’s humiliating away defeat to start Champions League qualification. Instead, Brendan Rodgers’ side is ready and as close to full-strength as possible. Linfield aren’t a very good side and the Bhoys should make easy work of the hosts. However, look for things to get a little sloppy after a 3-0 lead and a fluke goal for Linfield.

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