Celtic have a near fully fit squad for the Europa League play-off tie against Sarajevo after Neil Lennon provided an injury update in his pre-match presser, as reported by the BBC Sport website.
When asked to provide an update on the who was missing out, he said:
“Christopher Jullien is fit and back in the squad so only Albian is the only absentee from the weekend. James is going to be a but longer but we haven’t got a certified time on that yet. In terms of injuries, we have been pretty okay so far this season.”
It almost makes his team selection easier given the personnel at his disposal, his biggest decision will be whether or not to stick with the back three or move to a four as he has done in the past on the continent.
Here is the line-up I’d go with to ensure that Celtic dominate possession which would give us the best possible chance of making it to the group stages.
With Jullien just returning to full training it is maybe to early to throw him in at the deep end and given James Forrest’s injury, there is an easy decision to make on the flanks.
Albian Ajeti being out and missing from the squad altogether is a blow, he has shown already how much of a goal threat he is and offers something different to Odsonne Edouard.
The midfield has looked more open this season and by bringing Olivier Ntcham into the middle, he is more experienced at playing slightly deeper, compared to Ryan Christie, who prefers to play most of his football in the final third.
Who goes through?
Celtic
Sarajevo
Moi Elyounoussi and Christie will get up to support Edouard and are more than capable of providing the goals needed to fire us into the group stages.
Sarajevo haven’t looked very impressive in either continental competition this season and – if Celtic turn up – it could actually be their most comfortable result so far, I’m going for 2-0 and a return to form for Edouard.