Celtic side to face Anderlecht

In 16 years of Champions League matches Celtic Park hasn’t hosted anything like tomorrow’s tie with Anderlecht.

Effectively the match is a Europa League play-off- with the little bonus of Celtic starting 3-0 in front.

It’s four years since the hoops won a Champions League match at ‘Fortress Parkhead’ but the brutal fact is that a 2-0 defeat from Anderlecht would still represent success for the hoops however unusual.

That result wouldn’t sit easily with Brendan Rodgers who’ll want to see his side build on his best European result at the club when Celtic won 3-0 in Brussels.

A repeat of that performance would be ideal but a 1-0 win and a sound team performance will be more than welcome.

Anderlecht have little to lose but if presented by a Celtic side as formidable as the support from the stands they might show less than full enthusiasm.

How Anderlecht perform won’t be Rodgers’ focus, seeing his side react to pressure on the European stage will be invaluable with hopefully a Europa League campaign about to open up.

CRAIG GORDON

It’s been hot and cold for the keeper this season, best summed up by two incidents against Motherwell over the last week.

At Hampden he pulled off a brilliant instinctive save from Louis Moult but in common with his fellow defenders he didn’t look too clever at Elliott Frear’s goal for Motherwell.

He became the first Celtic keeper to keep a clean sheet away from home in the Champions League in the away match against Anderlecht, let’s hope he doubles that up with another on Tuesday night.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

Can call on all the experience in the world to help steer the side through this tricky tie.

His attacking instincts will be slightly curtailed but he’ll still be looking to support James Forrest at every opportunity- he played a key role in the opening goal of the Betfred Cup doing just that.

He showed all his defensive ability in Sweden’s 0-0 draw away to Italy and can be fully relied on however the game develops.

JOZO SIMUNOVIC

There will be a lot of questions over him until he puts in a run of 20 consecutive appearances.

The away match with Paris Saint Germain wasn’t his greatest but he did perform brilliantly away to Anderlecht to create a clean sheet.

A repeat of that performance in Brussels will be expected giving Anderlecht no encouragement for an unlikely comeback.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Has made four appearances in the group stage of the Champions League and notably for a Celtic central defender he has avoided injury since returning to action in mid September.

Although the defence hasn’t covered itself in glory there have been signs, notably away to Bayern Munich, that the former Manchester City man can raise his game to play at this level.

The Celtic support has still to be convinced by Boyata but there is no doubting Brendan Rodgers’ faith which is the view that matters most.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Didn’t look quite as assured away to Paris Saint Germain but he wasn’t alone.

He has bounced back well and showed in both matches against Bayern Munich that he isn’t out his depth at the highest level.

This will be his 25th European appearance with those experiences clearly accelerating his development.

SCOTT BROWN

The skipper will be required to call upon all of his European experience and a whole lot more for this clash.

Celtic had a very shaky first half hour against Anderlecht in Brussels and won’t want any sort of repeat of that showing.

A lot is expected of Brown on these occasions but he thrives on the responsibility and will be hoping for an extended run in the Europa League.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Has been preferred to others in the Champions League wit Brendan Rodgers seeing these matches as the ones to push on with the development of the Frenchman.

There’s plenty to his game with his youth often overlooked. Central midfield is one of the toughest areas of the park with Ntcham showing all the skills required to succeed.

He started very slowly in Brussels but came strongly on to his game, going into the Europa League these experiences will be invaluable.

JAMES FORREST

Very much the man of the moment with another cup final goal with his weekend double against Motherwell taking his tally for the season to 10.

He was on the bench away to Anderlecht and was in outstanding form at home to Bayern Munich- a repeat of that would be very welcome.

A pacey winger with a real goal threat is priceless, on form Jamesey will be very difficult for Anderlecht to stop.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

Has had an outstanding year including a goal in the Champions League at home to Bayern Munich.

More often than not he is chosen for the big matches despite the competition from Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic.

Hos know how for the pace of these type of matches appeals to Rodgers, he rarely wastes a ball and is always comfortable in possession.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Has been in the headlines over the last fortnight but showed his value in all three matches against Motherwell, combining in different ways.

After his impact last season there was always going to be some sort of reaction this term but he has still been an effective part of the side.

He should get a little more licence in this match than he does domestically, a tactic that Rodgers will be looking to exploit.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS

It was a fair old knock that Moussa Dembele took in the Betfred Cup Final against Motherwell, starting the Frenchman could be a risk.

After his goal in Brussels Griffiths will be looking to cause further damage and can give the Belgian defence a tough time.

On Sunday there is an emotional return to Easter Road on the cards, perhaps Griff can cause more damage to Anderlecht?