Predicted Starting XI for Celtic FC v CFR Cluj at Celtic Park

Celtic FC will host Romanian Champions CFR Cluj in the second leg of the Third Qualifying Round in the Champions League. The two sides are tied on aggregate with Celtic currently holding the advantageous away goal.

Last week’s match against CFR Cluj in Romania proved that CFR Cluj is a formidable opponent. Thanks to Forrest’s goal to equalize the score, Celtic FC has the advantage coming into Tuesday’s tie-breaker match. 

Celtic FC Boss Neil Lennon understands the need to field the best starting XI in order to fell Cluj. Many Hoops fans were disappointed with the relatively weak lineup against Motherwell that was due to the injuries of key players Ryan Christie, Mikey Johnston and Hatem Abd Elhamed.

The Starting XI:

Scott Bain will see another start at goalkeeper despite allowing an easy goal to CFR Cluj, and two goals to Motherwell’s Donnelly in just the last week alone. When Scott Bain is in form, he proves to be one of the better keepers in the league. When he is not, he is simply a replacement level player. He will need to bring his best form into the final match with CFR Cluj.

Hatem Abd Elhamed should see his return against CFR Cluj. The right-back left last week’s match against CFR Cluj due to injury, and did not lineup against Motherwell on Saturday. His return would be a huge boon for Celtic as it allows Lennon to move Ajer back to his natural position.

The left-back position remains a topic of hot debate and controversy for the Hoops. With Tierney’s departure, Celtic has little options and depth at the position. Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo has not played consistently well, and the first half against Motherwell exemplified his shortcomings. However, expect to see Boli in the starting XI for Tuesday’s match with much to prove.

The centre-back position will be interesting to watch. Kristoffer Ajer will return to the position if Elhamed is healthy. This leaves Simunovic and Jullien to compete for the second spot. We predict Jullien will get the nod today, with Simunovic ready to go if he gets the nod early.

Up the middle will see Scott Brown and Callum McGregor. The duo has been fantastic this year, and chemistry from players cannot be overlooked when trying to win a big match.

Ryan Christie will hopefully join Elhamed in returning from injury for Tuesday’s match. The wonder boy would be a huge shot to the arm for Celtic. James Forrest will be on the right looking to continue his recent stellar performance. Mikey Johnston has been sidelined, and it is unclear if he will make a return for the match. Since we have been optimistic with Elhamed and Christie thus far, we are gonna take a realist’s approach and assume Lewis Morgan has to start on the left today.

The striker decision should be easy. Odsonne Edouard has been downright filthy lately. Leigh Griffiths has proved he is seeing a resurgence of his career this season, but you have got to go with the hot hand. Edouard it is.

GK: Scott Bain
RB: Hatem Abd Elhamed
CB: Kristoffer Ajer
CB: Christopher Jullien
LB: Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo
CM: Scott Brown
CM: Callum McGregor
RM: James Forrest
CAM: Ryan Christie
LM: Lewis Morgan
ST: Odsonne Edouard
Fans can catch all the action of today’s game on Celtic TV (subscription required).