Paris Saint Germain v Celtic

Even at 22/1 there won’t be many Celtic fans lumping a few euros on an away win at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

After annual visits to the Nou Camp it’s the French capital that hosts the hoops with genuine fears that the bhoys could get turned over. A 5-0 home defeat has that impact.

Away to Anderlecht and at home to Bayern Munich Celtic have certainly been competitive but there are deep scars among many fans after that 5-0 defeat at the start of the campaign.

Brendan Rodgers will be working hard on the mindset of his squad but even the normally mellow Celtic boss was upset by the opening day defeat as he compared his side’s display to that of an u-12 side.

Parking the bus isn’t an option for Rodgers but within his expansive formation there is plenty of scope to tighten things up and make life tougher for opponents.

Almost all of the Celtic players can play better than they did back in September, it would be scary if the same could be said of the French side.

With qualification secured PSG have two options- to ease off or put on a show for their home fans.

With 10,000 Celtic fans in the French capital Rodgers will be looking for the same commitment and application from his players- anything achieved on the pitch beyond that will be wildly celebrated.

CRAIG GORDON

Has had a good Champions League campaign so far and kept things respectable away to Bayern Munich.

This fixture looks like being the most demanding of his Celtic career but that won’t come as any surprise.

The home game against PSG will be one that he’ll be glad to get over, as ever the understanding with his central defenders will be of critical importance.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

After holding Italy at bay last week Lustig will be the best prepared Celtic defender for Wednesday night’s task.

Brendan Rodgers will set up a more attack minded team than the Swedes, which shouldn’t be difficult, with Lustig expected to push further up the pitch.

As the most experienced defender in the squad he’ll be expected to help out his colleagues, especially Nir Bitton.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Was one of the few successes away to Bayern and held a decent defensive line.

More of the same will be needed against the PSG strike force that he watched from the stand in Glasgow.

If he is to push his claim for a place in the Belgium side this match is the perfect platform to make an impact.

NIR BITTON

What a challenge- from fourth choice centre midfielder to going toe to toe with a £400m strike force.

There has been a noticeable improvement in his performances at the back but the best defenders in the world will struggle against Neymar and his accomplices.

Bitton’s passing ability appeals to Brendan Rodgers but it’ll be more basic defensive skills that will be required in the French capital.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Starts his second century in the toughest of surroundings but as he has proved to date he’s completely unfazed.

It seems that the tougher the challenge the greater KT performs as Arjen Robben would testify.

Rodgers will know exactly what to expect from the 20 year old who’ll be a big part of the plan to take something home from this match.

SCOTT BROWN

Will look to take his form from Dingwall to Paris and ensure that anything PSG take from the match is earned.

Brown came off age last season in the Champions League, encouraged by his manager he can face up to the biggest and best midfielders in the game.

Away to Bayern he was fighting a lone battle at times, hopefully on Wednesday he’ll have plenty of backing to test out the PSG defence.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

It’ll be a big call to pick Brown’s partner but Rodgers has real confidence in the French u-21 internationalist.

The away match with Anderlecht showed up the best and worst of Ntcham but it’s only from playing through matches like that he’ll pick up the experience for future campaigns.

He’ll have an extra know how of his opponents, he’ll want to impress for Celtic but a strong performance will do his own profile the world of good.

JAMES FORREST

Can he repeat the form that he showed at home to Bayern Munich? Why not?

Forrest has been a big player so far this season with only the return of Patrick Roberts reducing his game time.

Despite Roberts return from injury Forrest can expect to start against PSG although it’s unlikely that he will go the full 90 minutes.

STUART ARMSTRONG

With his strength and greater defensive ability he’s likely to get the job of playing in behind Moussa Dembele- while also tracking back.

He has had an up and down season to date, partly due to his contract stand off, but has shown improvement to earn his chance ahead of others.

He’ll need to be on top of his form from the get-go, PSG will be merciless will no room for anyone short of 100%

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Like others a big part of his game will be tracking back which he is comfortable with.

When Celtic get possession he’ll form part of a very important triangle involving Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele.

His goal away to Anderlecht was a great landmark, bagging another this season would be very welcome.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

When all things are equal Rodgers almost always goes with Dembele over Leigh Griffiths.

He had a bit of a mare at Ross County but Bayern Munich at home was his only Champions League starting role.

It goes without saying that he wants to impress in front of a home audience, the French World Cup squad will be very competitive but if you don’t aim high it’ll never happen!