Ange Postecoglou has named arguably his strongest starting XI possible as he aims to lead his Celtic side into a victorious battle against Real Madrid on what promises to be a cracking night under the lights at Parkhead.
It’s the first Champions League group stage night in the east end of Glasgow for five years, and whilst there have been many failed attempts to qualify in recent years, fans are set to relish their return with the toughest test possible as they face the reigning champions.
Celtic Park was electric on Sunday as a 4-0 win in the Glasgow derby extended their 100 per cent record in all competitions, but that will face its first real test tonight as Carlo Ancelotti’s side enter the lions den of 60,000 fans.
Joe Hart will start in net, using his expertise in Champions League competition in a bid to thwart Karim Benzema and his merry men up front.
Josip Juranovic will aim to put his name on the map ahead of the World Cup in November by excelling against Los Blancos, and he is joined by Cameron Carter-Vickers, Moritz Jenz and Greg Taylor who have all starred in recent weeks.
In the engine room are Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley, with the former aiming to bellow his side into battle at a fiery Celtic Park.
And the front three of Liel Abada, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Jota will look to be the ones to inflict pain on the Spanish champions and record one of the more memorable nights in Celtic Park history.
CELTIC XI: Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Jenz, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley, Abada, Jota, Giakoumakis.
SUBS: Bain, Siegrist, Kyogo, Haksabanovic, Mooy, Turnbull, McCarthy, Bernabei, Maeda, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh
🍀 #CelticFC's @ChampionsLeague Team News! 📋
✌ Two changes from the Glasgow Derby win
🇬🇷 Giakoumakis leads the attack
🇩🇪 Jenz replaces Starfelt in the Celts' defence
#UCL | #CelticRealMadrid | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/UR9RhQWfQK— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 6, 2022
Kick off is at 8pm. Not long to go now…
