Celtic face Real Madrid in Matchday One of the Champions League Group Stages. Ange Postecoglou’s Champions of Scotland face the Champions of Spain and Carlo Ancelotti’s team under the lights at Paradise.
Celtic go into the game on a fine run of form, seven wins on the bounce since the new season kicked off, including Saturday’s 4-0 win over Rangers. However, tonight brings the reigning European Champions to Glasgow’s East End.
Team News
Carl Starfelt will be out for a couple of weeks after a knee injury forced him off the field on Saturday. Kyogo Furuhashi was another casualty at the weekend but he trained at Lennoxtown yesterday but the manager said he’d need to decide whether the Japanese forward would be involved.
Joe Hart will start in goals. The Englishman’s last Champions League appearance came in the Semi Final defeat against Madrid at the Bernabéu. It was an inspired performance and six years separate the appearances for Hart and he will certainly savour the moment.
In defence, Moritz Jenz will come in and replace Starfelt. He will be joined by Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA Internationalist was rock solid against Rangers and he will need to bring that against Karim Benzema & Co.
In midfield, you cannot see by the midfield three of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate. The arrival of Oliver Ablidgaard is a sign that Ange was keen to provide defensive cover but he’s stating that he wants to go at the Spanish Champions from the start.
Giorgos Giakoumakis will lead the line, he will be joined by Jota on the wing and then it’ll likely be Liel Abada, who is in a great run of form.
Kick Off Time
The game will kick off at 8pm (Celtic Park time).
Where to Watch
A sell-out crowd will back the team in Paradise but those that don’t have tickets will be able to watch on TV. The game will be shown on BT Sport 3 with coverage beginning at 7:15pm.
