Celtic return to Parkhead tomorrow as the Hoops look to secure their place in the next round of the Europa League. They will face VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of a massive European play-off.
The visitors sit fourth in the Bundesliga table, with three wins, a draw and a loss in their last five league games. Their Europa League campaign has had ups and downs, with the German side being beaten out by Roma before narrowly beating Young Boys in a 3-2 victory on the final day.
Overall, they recorded five wins and three losses, and finished 11th in the League Phase.
As we all know, Celtic are fighting with Hearts and Rangers for the top spot in the Scottish Premiership. They sit just three points behind, with a game in hand over their rivals in the title race, and they managed to secure their Europa League play-off spot with a 21st-place finish.
In Europe, Celtic managed three wins, two draws and three losses, with 13 goals scored and 15 conceded. In their last five Europa League games, they have two wins, a draw and two losses.
Martin O’Neill’s side will be up for the clash as they’ll be desperate to make sure they progress in the competition.
Predicted Celtic XI for Stuttgart at home
Kasper Schmeichel will continue to hold his spot in goal. Although some fans criticised his performance against Kilmarnock, as well as his overall form this season, there is no doubt he will continue to be Celtic’s No.1.
At the back, Auston Trusty and Liam Scales will take the centre-back positions. In Europe, Trusty has been one of Celtic’s standout players and will certainly give his all in the match. Scales can be hit or miss, and will need to perform to the best of his ability to keep out some of Stuttgart’s in-form attackers.
Julian Aurajo was registered for this stage of the Europa League and (hopefully) beyond, so he will be played on the right as usual. His attacking play, as well as the form he is in, especially after his last-minute goal against Kilmarnock, makes him an incredibly valuable asset to O’Neill.
Kieran Tierney will likely play, but we may see some rotation due to fixture congestion. Marcelo Saracchi may come in, but we’re giving the nod to Tierney.
Callum McGregor enjoyed celebrating the victory at Rugby Park, but let’s hope he’s given even more to shout about this time around. The captain will start.
After terrible performances from Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan will probably start. Hatate has been trusted by O’Neill but has failed to show what he can offer. He seems a shadow of his former self, and it would be a bad call for him to play over McCowan.
Benjamin Nygren, Celtic’s consistent goalscorer, will hopefully have a lot to offer on a big European night. With his goal tally only increasing, he’ll be named in the midfield.
Up front, it would be silly not to play Sebastian Tounekti. The winger has been in magnificent form and has saved Celtic on more than one occasion. He should start; no doubt about it.
Although he has been under scrutiny, Daizen Maeda should start on the other wing. He has too much in his locker to be benched in Europe, and his pace mixed with skill could spell trouble for the visitors.
In the striker position, Junior Adamu was given a runout last time, but it’s probably best to utilise Tomas Cvancara. Although he hasn’t scored in his last three games, his movement and positioning have always been positive, and if he can get himself in the right positions tomorrow night, there is no doubt he’ll find the net.
A reminder that Arne Engels is out of contention for this one through injury, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also not available for selection as he was not registered before the deadline.
Schmeichel (GK)
Aurajo (RB), Trusty (CB), Scales (CB), Tierney (LB)
Nygren (CM), McGregor (CM), McCowan (CM)
Maeda (RW), Cvancara (ST), Tounekti (LW)
How could the match go?
We predict a tight match this time, with the first leg likely to end in a narrow victory for either side or a draw.
Our score prediction is Celtic 1 – 1 Stuttgart.