It’s heading to crunch time for Celtic as far as European football is concerned. Tuesday’s game against Kairat Almaty will decide the level of football the Bhoys will face in Europe this season. A win and it’s the riches and glamour of the Champions League again. Losing leads to the Europa League, not where Brendan Rodgers would want his side to be.
A 0-0 draw last week in Glasgow wasn't what we all expected. It left a tough situation to overcome. By no means an impossibility, Celtic have the ability to win, but do they have the right players?
The squad is short of depth and quality. The summer transfer window is drawing to a close, and as far as this tie is concerned, it’s too late for new arrivals, even if they are close to signings.
That means Rodgers has a more limited squad to select from for his bench and starting lineup for Tuesday night. That will make an already difficult task even tougher.
Predicted Celtic starting XI away to Kairat Almaty
The first leg saw a quite predictable starting XI, the second leg is heading that way too. Injuries may have an impact and add some elements of doubt and choice. Here’s how we see it playing out for Rodgers' selection.
The defence is relatively straightforward. Schmeichel starts in goal. On his right side, it’ll be Anthony Ralston given Alistair Johnston’s injury last week. At left-back, Kieran Tierney will return after resting against Livingston at the weekend. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales will fill the centre-back positions. Auston Trusty is likely ruled out by injury, but that pairing would have been the first choice regardless.
Midfield is slightly trickier. Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate also had a rest for Saturday's match, but both should return for this tie. The question mark is who will start alongside them. With Benjamin Nygren bagging two goals at the weekend, he may carry the edge over Arne Engels.
Upfront there are more serious decisions to be made. Will Adam Idah return? Our prediction is that his injury won't allow him to start, he may make the bench, but don't be surprised at a no-show.
Instead, we’ll see Daizen Maeda make a start through the middle. That doesn't leave too many options on the two flanks for a must-win game. Look out for the return of James Forrest on the right and Yang Hyunjun on the left. Those choices do again highlight the need for more depth and quality in the forward area of the squad.
Here’s how that predicted lineup looks for the starting XI on Tuesday: Schmeichel, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, Nygren, McGregor, Hatate, Yang, Maeda and Forrest.