Predicted Celtic XI to face LOSC Lille in the Europa League
Celtic slipped 6 points behind arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership after being held to a 3-3 draw by Aberdeen at the weekend, thanks to some late penalty drama at the Pittodrie Stadium.
Neil Lennon’s side are now set to turn their attention to the Europa League with a trip to France to face LOSC Lille on Thursday night. The Hoops suffered a 3-1 defeat against AC Milan in their Group H opener last week and the reigning Scottish champions will be under pressure to get their European campaign back on track.
Celtic are currently winless in their last eight away games against French sides and coming away with all three points against Lille will be a tough ask for the Bhoys.
Team News
Celtic still have several injury concerns heading into the midweek Europa League tie against Lille. Star striker Odsonne Edouard and utility star Nir Bitton are expected to make a return after recovering from Covid-19 but Hatem Abd Elhamed is unlikely to make the trip to France.
James Forrest (ankle), Mikey Johnston (knee), and Christopher Jullien (back) are all ruled out while Vasilios Barkas (back) is also a major doubt after missing the draw against Aberdeen.
Probable Celtic XI
Manager: Neil Lennon
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Scott Bain (GK)
The Scotsman was hardly at fault for any of Aberdeen’s three goals in the last game and should retain his spot between the sticks if Barkas remains sidelined.
Jeremie Frimpong (RWB)
The former Man City starlet has had a tough time in the last two games but he remains an exciting player down the right.
Diego Laxalt (LWB)
The Uruguayan has struggled to hit the heights following his loan move to Parkhead but Lennon should continue to back him with regular starts.
Shane Duffy (CB)
The Brighton loanee has been criticised heavily for his lacklustre displays against AC Milan and Aberdeen, but he remains a key cog in Celtic’s backline.
Kristoffer Ajer (LCB)
The Norwegian has been a part of a collective defensive failure for the Hoops in recent games. He will be expected to step up his game on Thursday.
Nir Bitton (RCB)
The Israeli international was arguably Celtic’s best performing defender before the international break and his return from illness comes as a timely boost to Lennon’s side.
Scott Brown (CDM)
The Celtic skipper only featured as a substitute against Aberdeen but he’s expected to be amongst the starters against Lille in the Europa League.
Callum McGregor (CM)
The Hoops graduate impressed with a well-taken goal in the 3-3 draw against Aberdeen but was also culpable of giving away a penalty. However, he’s still very much a key player for the Scottish champions.
Ryan Christie (RAM)
The playmaker slotted home calmly from the penalty spot in the last game and will definitely be a key player for Celtic on Thursday.
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Mohamed Elyounoussi (LAM)
The Southampton loanee hasn’t been at his sparkling best in the last few games and will be expected to put in a better shift against Lille.
Odsonne Edouard (ST)
Celtic are expected to have their talismanic striker back in the mix for the Europa League tie and his return probably couldn’t have come at a better time for the Hoops.
