Celtic face Atletico Madrid this evening in the UEFA Champions League. After two defeats in the opening two games, Brendan Rodgers team require to beat Diego Simeone’s team under the lights at Paradise and galvanise their European campaign. That is earlier said than done as the Spaniards arrive in fine form, winning six on the bounce since their opening-day draw against SS Lazio in Rome.
Team News
There are no fresh injury concerns for Celtic after the weekend’s win over Hearts at Tynecastle. Stephen Welsh and Liel Abada remain out with injuries, Gustaf Lagerbielke wasn’t on the bench at the weekend and it may be that Nat Phillips is preferred to the young Swede. Despite being fit, both Marco Tilio and Maik Nawrocki are not registered and will not be involved.
Joe Hart will start in between the sticks. The Englishman didn’t have a lot to do on the last UCL matchday and will have been disappointed at losing two goals.
In defence, expect the manager to continue with the back four that started the game at Tynecastle. Cameron Carter-Vickers in beside Liam Scales with Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston on the flanks.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will skipper the side and he will likely be joined by Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley. There is an argument that the manager could be considering Tomoki Iwata, who came on in the win at Tynecastle and scored. The J-League Player of the Year last season could offer a more defensive option than his compatriot, Hatate.
In attack, Kyogo will lead the line. The Japanese hitman scored his 60th goal for Celtic at the weekend will be keen to put the Spaniards to the sword and will be supported in the wide areas by Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda.
Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate; Palma, Kyogo, Maeda.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 8pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on TNT Sports 3 with coverage starting at 7:30pm. Audio coverage will also be available on Celtic TV for subscribers around the world.
It is a must win game for the team and one that will hopefully see an overdue win in the UCL. Although, it is a top level opponent that stands in our way. The supporters need be to be united and generate that legendary atmosphere that opposition players and fans wax lyrically about after they leave empty-handed.
