Ange Postecoglou has named his side for tonight’s big game against FC Midtjylland in the second leg of the Champions League Second Qualifying Round. The manager has had some big calls to make after the defeat at the weekend to West Ham. The Australian has decided to drop Vasilis Barkas for Scott Bain between the sticks as the club pursue a deal for Joe Hart.
Scott Bain starts after Barkas’ horrorshow against the Hammers but hopefully he will be able to keep the Danes at bay as the Celts try and secure their place in the next round of the Champions League Qualifiers.
📋 #FCMCEL team news 👊
Our starting XI for tonight’s @ChampionsLeague Second Qualifying Round 2nd Leg ✅#COYBIG 🍀 #UCL pic.twitter.com/TwhF7gErD6
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 28, 2021
In defence, Postecoglou has named a defensive pairing of Stephen Welsh and Dane Murray alongside full-backs Tony Ralston and Greg Taylor. The manager did not have a lot to choose from in terms of defenders, with Jullien injured, Starfelt not registered and Bitton suspended. The manager will be hoping that his attacking line up can outscore our Danish hosts.
In the midfield, Ismaila Soro joins Celtic’s captain Callum McGregor in the centre of midfield. The pair are accompanied by David Turnbull in an advanced role while Ryan Christie starts alongside goalscorer from the first leg, Liel Abada. Christie has impressed since returning under Postecoglou and hopefully, he can agree on a new deal in the coming weeks.
In attack, Odsonne Edouard is preferred to Albian Ajeti, who returns to the bench after missing the defeat to West Ham.
On the bench: Barkas, Doohan, Ajeti, Rogic, Bolingoli, Urhoghide, Shaw, Robertson, Forrest and Montgomery.
God that is a weak starting line-up. Thistle would fancy their chances at home against that lot.