Here’s how we think Martin O’Neill will set up his starting XI against Stuttgart on Thursday night.
After their late heroics at Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, next up for Celtic is a return to Europa League action against Stuttgart, as the tournament enters the knockout stages.
The Hoops’ incredible streak of scoring late goals continued at Rugby Park, when Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo’s 97th minute winner caused pandemonium in the away end, in a match Celtic were losing 2-0 at half time. While Martin O’Neill was delighted with the win, the 73-year old claimed their current run isn’t good for his heartbeat.
On the European stage, Celtic finished 21st the League Phase table, where a 4-2 win over Utrecht last month confirmed their spot in the knockout stages. Stuttgart narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the round of 16 but are still having an impressive season. The German DFB Pokal holders currently sit in the Bundesliga Champions League spots and have lost just twice in their last 14 in all competitions.
In the midst of a nail-biting three-horse domestic title race, the Europa League fixture is coming at a slightly awkward time for O’Neill, however on a European night under the Celtic Park lights, with the man who steered the to the 2003 UEFA Cup final at the helm, the home fans will be expecting their team to be going all out for a result. Here’s how we think Celtic will lineup against Stuttgart:
Kasper Schmeichel
Not for the first time this season, he’s come under criticism for his performance at Rugby Park but with few quality alternatives O’Neill is unlikely to drop him.
Julian Araujo
The hero of the hour on Sunday deserved all his plaudits. His natural high-tempo, attacking playing style suits O’Neill’s side.
Auston Trusty
Particularly in Europe he’s been one of the standouts this season for Celtic but will need another big performance against a Stuttgart side that are scoring for fun.
Liam Scales
You never know what you’re getting from the Irishman in these big games. He’ll need to maintain focus at the back against the in-form Denis Undav and Ermedin Demirovic.
Kieran Tierney
Should now have fully recovered from his concussion scare against Dundee 10 days ago. Although with four games in 10 days leading up to the Old Firm his minutes will need to be managed.
Callum McGregor
Understandably, the captain enjoyed the celebrations at Rugby Park as his side breathed a huge sigh of relief. Another player who will be vitally important going into the run-in.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
While his fitness may not be fully up to scratch, after two impressive performances coming off the bench, is it time to unleash ‘The Ox’ from the start?
Benjamin Nygren
He’s struggled with consistency at time this season, but now looks to be getting better game by game which is reflected in his numbers.
Sebastian Tounekti
Has changed the game in Celtic’s favour in two of their last three. While he may be more of a threat coming off the bench, their in-form man has to start in a game of this magnitude.
Daizen Maeda
A hugely important player on European nights for his work off the ball. With his seemingly infinite stamina levels, he’s a player O’Neill could effectively start every game between now and the end of the season.
Tomas Cvancara
The Borussia Monchengladbach loanee is no stranger to facing German defences and has looked sharp thus far. He perhaps lacks attacking cutting edge at times but makes up for it with his pace and power.