The brass ring that is the Champions League group stage is just two matches away. So are the multi-millions of dollars that come with getting to that point.
All that stands in the way of Celtic and easily £30 million in cash and glory is a familiar foe — Kazakhstani side Astana.
I guess it wouldn’t be Celtic in the Champions League without meeting a team they have a recent history against. But, this isn’t about the past, this is about the present and Celtic’s future.
With manager Brendan Rodgers laying down the gauntlet of knockout stage or bust, this match takes on huge importance. It also is huge because the first match of this tie happens to take place in Glasgow.
Given the pressure of that gauntlet, one could see the players in a tense situation. Instead, they are embracing the challenge and ready to get going in this tie.
How will Rodgers go about putting his lineup together after three matches in less than a week? With an hour to game time, here is how the Bhoys and their visitors to Paradise will line up.
Celtic Starting XI:
📋 #CelticFC team to face @fca_kz in the @ChampionsLeague Play-Off first leg. #COYBIG #UCL pic.twitter.com/wRI7pSnGZn
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 16, 2017
Analysis:
This seems to be Rodgers’ preferred lineup when it comes to what is available to him at the moment. It is hard to argue that the Starting XI isn’t the right one.
The best bit of news is that a bit of rest and relaxation has apparently done striker Leigh Griffiths some good. No longer do the Bhoys have to face the prospect of James Forrest up top.
Goals at home will be at a premium, forcing Astana to have to play from behind from leg one of this tie would be huge.
However, all eyes should be on converted midfielder, Nir Bitton, who has had an up-and-down start to his time as a central defender. He’s played well at times, but a brutal mistake last weekend nearly cost Celtic full points against Glasgow rivals Partick Thistle.
One other area that seems a bit unsettled is when Rodgers prefers to play former Man City player Olivier Ntcham and youngster Callum McGregor in the middle of the pitch.
Next: Celtic vs. Astana Preview
The best bit of news is that a bit of rest and relaxation has apparently done striker Leigh Griffiths some good. No longer do the Bhoys have to face the prospect of James Forrest up top.
Goals at home will be at a premium, forcing Astana to have to play from behind from leg one of this tie would be huge.
It should also be noted that a bench without Jonny Hayes is certainly interesting. Rodgers apparently prefers the options of young defenders Kristoff Ajer, Anthony Ralston and Calvin Miller.