Maeda To Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Bayern Munich In The UEFA Champions League | OneFootball

Despite resting several first-team stars, high-flying Celtic scripted an emphatic 5-0 win against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup. Rangers’ shocking defeat against minnows Queen’s Park must be the icing on the cake en route to conquering a ‘domestic treble’, but a massive test awaits them on Wednesday night as the Hoops set to welcome Bayern Munich for the UEFA Champions League knock-out phase playoffs.

Celtic fought hard when these two sides clashed heads at Parkhead almost seven and a half years back. Callum McGregor nullified Kingsley Coman’s first-half goal, but the Bavarians took three minutes to restore their lead when Javier Martinez headed home late in the match. The six-time European winners remain outright favourites to clinch a victory, and the Bhoys must punch above their weight to defy the odds this midweek.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Bayern Munich

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel was handed a rare rest on Saturday evening due to a “little issue” with his back. Viljami Sinisalo debuted between the sticks on Saturday evening, but the Finnish custodian would make way for the veteran Dane considering his experience of the highest order.

Brendan Rodgers should alter the entire ‘back four’ from the Cup tie with the first-team fullback pair Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor likely to replace Anthony Ralston and Jeffrey Schlupp. The USMNT duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty would reclaim their starting status ahead of Dane Murray and Liam Scales in the heart of the backline.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 31: Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Celtic FC and Bayern Muenchen at Celtic Park on October 31, 2017 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Midfield

The Bhoys dealt an injury blow against the Rovers when Paulo Bernardo left the pitch in the first half. While the gaffer expects him to be available for this high-voltage encounter, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate must get the nod over the Portuguese ace in the middle of the park. Ever-present McGregor would drive the show from the base of Celtic’s three-man midfield set-up. Bernardo and Luke McCowan could also be involved as second-half substitutes.

Attack

Daizen Maeda will be available for the Bayern game after UEFA reduced his suspension to one game following Celtic’s appeal. The Japanese ace, who received a marching order versus Young Boys, has already served the same by not featuring against Aston Villa. His presence down the left would boost the Celts as he fired six goals in the last three appearances across competitions. Jota has been registered for their Champions League squad, however, Nicolas Kuhn must be picked down the right against his former employers. Adam Idah scored a brace at Villa Park and should spearhead the attack once again following Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure.