Champions League
Jan 29, 2025 8.00pm
4
2
HT : 2 2
FT Villa Park
  • Morgan Rogers 3' goal
  • Morgan Rogers 5' goal
  • Ollie Watkins 60' goal
  • Morgan Rogers 90'+1' goal
  • goal Adam Idah 36'
  • goal Adam Idah 38'

Celtic predicted XI vs. Aston Villa: Possible lineup for Champions League battle

Decimated frontline? Celtic predicted XI vs. Aston Villa

Celtic are set to be unable to call upon the talents of attacker Daizen Maeda for the trip to Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Japan international picked up a straight red card during last week's narrow success over Young Boys, leaving him suspended for the final match of the League Phase.

With the 27-year-old out of contention, Brendan Rodgers will need to pick at least one new face to operate in the attacking line, with Irishman Adam Idah representing the most likely candidate.

Kyogo Furuhashi has also completed a move to Rennes, and with the returning Jota not eligible to take part in this one, Luis Palma should make a rare start in attack.

Despite missing a penalty against the Swiss outfit last time out, Arne Engels should retain his spot in the midfield three alongside veteran Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.

After keeping back-to-back Champions League clean sheets, Kasper Schmeichel will be looking to repeat the trick in the Second City on Wednesday, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and former Birmingham City loanee Auston Trusty operating as the centre-back pairing.

The Bhoys remain without the services of both James Forrest and Odin Thiago Holm, although Rodgers still possesses a decent array of personnel options for Wednesday's Champions League battle.

Celtic possible starting lineup: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Palma

>Click here to see how Aston Villa could line up for this fixture

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POLL
Who will win Wednesday's Champions League clash between Aston Villa and Celtic?
Aston Villa 70%
Draw 12%
Celtic 18%
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