Celtic vs. Linfield: Starting XI and analysis for leg 2

A 2-0 lead after the away leg means Celtic is in the drivers seat of its Champions League second round qualifier against Linfield.

But, if there is one thing we learned from last season’s invincible campaign, it is that manager Brendan Rodgers isn’t going to let his foot off the gas just because they are in control of things. In fact, we’d expect Rodgers to push the gas peddle to the floor to make a further point.

Given all that took place between Leigh Griffiths and the supporters in Belfast on Friday night, his place in the squad could be the most interesting question to answer. So, how did Rodgers decide to line up for the first competitive home match of the season?

Let’s look at the Starting XI’s for this tie.

Celtic Starting XI: 

Analysis: 

The answer to the Leigh Griffiths question? He’s not going to feature at all, as he isn’t in the Starting XI or on the bench. Instead, Celtic are going with three at the back and will likely feature a 3-4-3 lineup once again.

It’s a back line of Lustig, Simunovic and Tierney — a solid group that are used to playing in this formation. What is of bigger note is just how quickly Olivier Ntcham has gotten fit and in to the side.

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He’ll make is competitive debut in the middle of the park and will take the place of Stuart Armstrong in this tie. Again, a smart tactical move by Rodgers, as Armstrong was the one feeling the brunt of harsh treatment by the Spanish official and Linfield players last week.

It is interesting to see Brown, McGregor, Ntcham and Rogic together. However, it appears that Rogic and Ntcham will control the attacking options with Brown likely the deep link to defense.

I’ll be watching Forrest’s play closely in this one, as Hayes has continued to impress. Could it be the last opportunity for Forrest to stake a claim to regular Starting XI appearances?

Celtic certainly aren’t fielding a secondary lineup in this one. Look for attacking and much more of the same from the first match in terms of tactics on the pitch.

Look for a lot better behavior off of it, as we’ll likely not see anyone in the Hoops (or hopefully Linfield) pelted with missiles or bottles of Buckfast.