Gordon, Gamboa, Boyata, Simunovic, Tierney, Kouassi, McGregor, Ntcham, Morgan, Christie and Edouard…

That’s the Celtic team that is being suggested ahead of tonight’s Europa League match against RB Leipzig.

Gordon

Gamboa Boyata Simunovic Tierney

Kouassi Ntcham

Morgan Christie McGregor

Edouard

Former Celtic Star and BT Pundit has tweeted about this line-up, which was actually first mentioned on the quite excellent 90 Minute Cynic Podcast from earlier in the week – see HERE.

If this is the starting eleven then it certainly looks like Brendan Rodgers is targeting Sunday’s semi-final at Murrayfield where he will be without the suspended Dedryck Boyata. James Forrest is suspended for tonight after his red card in Salzburg, and Tom Rogic has not been risked but will be fit for Sunday.

Leigh Griffiths will miss both games and Scott Brown is out for 3 to 4 weeks.

Boyata’s suspension for Sunday is probably why no chances are being taken with Filip Benkovic tonight and also why it is significant the Jozo Simunovic is getting a game under his belt.

Celtic were badly exposed in Salzburg at the back with neither Mikael Lustig or Jack Hendry looking too clever at the goals conceded. Both could be paying the price for that this evening, if that team is correct.

Gamboa has more pace but needs to remember that he is there to defend.

Kouassi has had to wait for his big chance this season – he had a fine game against Zenit at Celtic Park in February so has bene here before. He’s not really had much of a look in since, although he did come on against Hibs on Saturday, perhaps Brendan was thinking ahead to tonight? He did play against Hearts back in August but looked out of sorts.

Ryan Christie has looked promising when introduced from the bench. He provided energy and strength and could perhaps shine just behind Odsonne Edouard.

No-one can say that Lewis Morgan lacks confidence and he could be in line for the biggest challenge of his career so far.

Leipzig will be rubbing their hands with delight if this is the Celtic team sheet. It’s up to the players on the park to make sure that we have the last laugh…

Also on The Celtic Star today…

£4million, Neil Doncaster and the case for SPFL assistance ahead of European qualifiers…See HERE.

‘The Celtic Star is shining brightly,’Jim Craig…See HERE.

Celtic short changed by complaining Compper…See HERE.

‘Celtic are a good team. Tierney, McGregor and Edouard are great talents,’ Leipzig boss…See HERE.

‘Records are there to be broken,’ 12th time lucky Rodgers…See HERE.

Have you visited the new Celtic Fans Forum (you don’t have to disable Javascript to view) Celtic Noise yet? Register and have you say on tonight’s game…

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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