Celtic face Bayer Leverkusen tonight in the Europa League with Ange Postecoglou’s side looking to take something from the game. With a place in the Conference League guaranteed after Christmas, Celtic will be hoping take something from the game and ensure that it is still in their hands going into Matchday Six. There is also the added objective to enact revenge on the Germans for the 4-0 defeat in Glasgow at the end of September. However, no one is under any illusions, Leverkusen are a top side – currently fourth in the Bundesliga table.
Ange spoke about his side taking the game to the Germans and seeing how much his team have grown since the defeat on Matchday Two and this is a brave strategy by the boss and one which will ensure for an entertaining night.
Team News
In terms of the backline and goalkeeper, Joe Hart will continue in goals. He will likely not be joined by Carl Starfelt, with the game coming too soon for the Swede. Stephen Welsh was forced off of the field at the weekend after a knock to his cheek but the central defender will be fit to start with Cameron Carter-Vickers. Tony Ralston and Josip Juranovic will likely start at right and left-back respectively. The game is too soon for Christopher Jullien, who is coming back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In the midfield, Tom Rogic is not ready to return, despite the Australian training at Celtic Park yesterday. Nir Bitton, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull look the likely contenders to start in the midfield with James McCarthy and Ismaila Soro likely eyeing spots in the team, too.
Kyogo is expected to start through the middle and you’d expect Ange to continue with Jota and then bring in the match winner from Saturday, James Forrest. Forrest took his goal well and gave Celtic a different dynamic when he was introduced. Liel Abada struggled for parts of the game to get involved and Forrest’s record proves he can do it in the big games. Giorgos Giakoumakis is still out with a slight knee complaint, meaning Albian Ajeti will likely be on the bench.
Kick Off Time
The game will kick off at the early time of 17:45 (Celtic Park Time)
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on BT Sport 3, with coverage starting at 17:15.
