Celtic travelled to Greece on Sunday to go through their final preparations for Tuesday night’s massive clash against AEK Athens in UEFA Champions League qualifying.
Tied 1-1 with the Greek champions after the first leg at Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers’ side know they must score at least one goal if they are to progress to the play-off round and keep their dreams of a place in the group stages of the competition alive.
After defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, preparations could have been better for the clash, especially since injuries, suspensions and off-field drama have again taken their toll on the defensive line.
One player that supporters would like to see come back into the side is right-back Cristian Gamboa, believing he’s shown in the two legs against Rosenborg that he is a better option in the position than Mikael Lustig.
The Costa Rican impressed against the Norwegians, offering more pace and determination on the right flank that Lustig has shown of late.
These fans took to Twitter this weekend to share their belief that he should be starting ahead of the Swede…
For me Gamboa has to start against Athens. If we have to go with a back 3 of Lustig Hendry Jozo then we need the extra defensive cover. Jozo is competent, just let Lustig babysit Hendry for the whole game and Gamboa can worry about the right side.
— . (@liamcsc) August 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/pikeybhoy/status/1028584911752646656
Against AEK Athens or we will riot:
Gordon; Gamboa, Lustig, Simunovič, Tierney; Brown, Ntcham; Forrest, Rogic, McGregor; Edouard
— Isaiah IV (@IACG_IV) August 11, 2018
A new CB and a RB are a must for me or Gamboa needs to get a long run in the team, Lustig is finished.
— Derek Crawford (@deeko1978) August 11, 2018
I rate Gamboa when he’s played he’s been good and should be ahead of lustig
— Steo Kelly (@steokelly89) August 11, 2018
3rd game in a row Lustig has started. It’s pathetic, Gamboa not put a foot wrong pre season & in CL qualifiers.
— Jake Mcginlay (@TheBhoyJM) August 11, 2018
No way Lustig has 3 games within 7 days in him, Gamboa’s Greece tour
— Jack Doyle (@JackDoyle1888) August 11, 2018
Do you think Cristian Gamboa should start on Tuesday night? Let us know in the comments below…