After a scintillating start to their domestic campaign, Brendan Rodgers will lead his Celtic side into their their highly-anticipated Champions League opener tonight as they welcome Slovan Bratislava to Glasgow.
The all-new format will result in Celtic facing eight games in Europe’s elite competition this season, with the competition moving from a traditional group stage into a ‘league path’. This the Hoops play four home games in the competition in 24/25, with clashes scheduled against Slovan Bratislava, Red Bull Leipzig, Club Brugge and Young Boys over the next five months. Away from home, they’ll face Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Dynamo Zagreb and Aston Villa.
Ahead of Wednesday’s game, there are no reported injury worries for the Hoops, though summer signings Auston Trusty, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah are all pushing for starts against the Slovakian outfit. Rodgers’ sheer squad strength means he will have plenty to mull over ahead of their Champions League, but does he make any changes from the team that beat Hearts 2-0 at the weekend?
Here’s our predicted Celtic starting XI for the Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava.
9. RW: Nicolas Kuhn
His form since pre-season has been impeccable. Looks a completely different proposition to the player that arrived in January. He will make his Champions League debut for Celtic on Wednesday. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LW: Daizen Maeda
Was quiet in the weekend win over Hearts, but is hugely important to Celtic's forward line, where he often leads the high-press. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. CF: Kyogo Furuhashi
The Japanese striker is another who was quiet at the weekend, however, Kyogo is made for the big occasions. He will face competition from Adam Idah throughout the campaign, but the 29-year-old starts on Wednesday. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images