Celtic are in Warsaw to face Shakhtar Donestk on Matchday Two of the UEFA Champions League. After a spirited performance last week against Real Madrid, Celtic go into the game looking to record their first win of the campaign but face a tricky task against the Ukrainian side. Unfortunately due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the game is being played at the Polish Army Stadium.
Team News
Celtic’s game at the weekend was postponed due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II so the players have had eight days to recover and prepare for the game.
There are two absences from the travel party that made their way to Poland for the game. James McCarthy did not make the trip due to illness and Carl Starfelt is missing due to a knee injury picked up in the 4-0 win over Rangers.
Joe Hart will continue in goals, he has been excellent since arriving last summer from Spurs. He will likely be required when the ‘hosts’ attempt to take advantage of Celtic on the break.
In defence, with Starfelt out then you would expect Moritz Jenz to continue at the back. The German defender will be joined by Cameron Carter-Vickers in the central two with Greg Taylor and Josip Juranovic in the wide berths.
You would expect that the middle three of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate continue but the manager will know that he can make changes to maintain the performance levels by introducing Turnbull, Mooy or Ablidgaard. The Danish midfielder will likely be included in the Matchday Squad and he may offer another option for the boss.
In attack, you would expect Kyogo to come in for Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Japanese forward’s movement may be the difference as Celtic look to unlock the Ukrainians. He will likely be joined by Jota on the left and Liel Abada on the right. Daizen Maeda, Giakoumakis, James Forrest and Sead Haksabanovic will all be vying for appearances from the bench if Celtic are chasing a goal.
Predicted XI: Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Jenz, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley; Jota, Kyogo, Abada.
Kick Off Time
The game will kick off at 5:45 pm (Celtic Park time).
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on BT Sport 4HD with coverage beginning at 5 pm.
It will be a difficult game against Donestk, they proved that they are a decent outfit as their 4-1 win in Germany over RB Leipzig proves.
🟢 Matchday Two in the @ChampionsLeague! ⚪
🆚 @FCShakhtar_eng
🏆 #UCL
🕗 5:45pm (6:45pm Local Time)
🏟️ Stadion Wojska Polskiego
📻 Live audio on @CelticTV Worldwide
📺 Live on @btsportfootballCome on you Bhoys in Green! 💚#ShakhtarCeltic | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/v0qTjSOoYN
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 14, 2022
Huge night of Champions League football tonight starting with Shakhtar Donetsk v Celtic🍀 first up at 5pm on BT Sport. Really looking forward to this one!
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) September 14, 2022
“Glasgow Celtic, the best in Scotland, the only team for me and you!”🎶💚🍀 pic.twitter.com/mtzmQJnJm6
— Asim Rabbani (@asimrabbani) September 13, 2022
