Celtic XI to face Alashkert

The World Cup Finals are going to force Brendan Rodgers into a change in formation for Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers.

With just over a week to go before the opening match away to Alashkert the Celtic boss will be without three players who would be in his first choice XI with defence badly hit.

Mikael Lustig and Dedryck Boyata are still involved in Russia forcing Rodgers to completely reshape his defence.

While Tony Ralston played against Paris Saint Germain last season it’s 10 months since he last played for Celtic which could be a risk too much for Rodgers.

Switching from a back four to a three man defence would seem logical to cover up for the short term absence of two experienced international players.

With Stuart Armstrong sold to Southampton there is no ready made replacement for Tom Rogic with Rodgers taking a look at a different shape against Bohemians Prague.

Against the Czech side Celtic fielded a 3-4-2-1 formation which could be altered into a 3-4-1-2 to accommodate the three strikers available.

Weaving past Alashkert and Valur/Rosenborg won’t be easy but if that is achieved the return of the internationalists and improved match fitness should put Rodgers’ squad in a position to reach the group phase of the Champions League for the third season running.

Scroll below for the likely 3-4-1-2 side to face Alashkert

CRAIG GORDON

Has enjoyed a decent summer break after bypassing Scotland’s two match trip to Peru and Mexico.

Scott Bain provides a realistic challenge for the keeper’s jersey but as he showed with the arrival of Dorus de Vries the arrival of competition is something that the former Hearts keeper can respond positively to.

Work still has to be done on passing out of defence, sometimes just hoofing the ball up the park is the sensible option.

JACK HENDRY

Has looked sharp and composed in the pre-season matches, this is the scenario that he was signed in January to be ready for.

Playing on the right of a back three should suit his game with most of his Celtic playing time coming at right-back.

The match in Armenia will be as tough a test as he has faced but he thrived at Pittodrie and Ibrox last season when he came on as a substitute after a sending off.

KRIS AJER

Will be expected to pick up where he signed off last season- without Dedryck Boyata who will still be on international duty.

Last season’s trip to Astana wasn’t his greatest 90 minutes but it stood him in good stead and he grasped his first team chance post Tynecastle.

With a new long term contract and international status his game can kick on with his leadership qualities very obvious.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Won’t be bothered by transfer speculation, KT will be going all out to ensure that his pals get some decent trips in just like Munich and Paris.

Last season on international duty he showed how adaptable he is, turning out at right-back and also on the left of a back three.

At the age of 21 he is the defensive veteran of these campaigns and knows exactly how important it is to reach the group stage.

JAMES FORREST

It’s all been low key about his contract but I guess that’s just how Jamesy is.

So far he has shown up very well in the pre-season matches, scoring the only goal of the game in the 1-0 win over Vorwarts.

He has loads of experience of these games and is adaptable enough to sit back and provide an extra man in defence whenever opponents threaten.

SCOTT BROWN

After the benefits of a four week break the Celtic skipper looks in great shape for the challenges ahead.

Over the last two seasons the challenge of playing in the Champions League has brought an extra dimension to his game.

With four qualifying rounds required this season his experience will be called on more than ever over the next few weeks.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Was handed the armband for the second half of the match with Bohemians which highlights the growing role that he has.

A year ago he was just signing up but had a very influential role in both matches against Astana.

More will be expected of the former Manchester City man but as he showed away to Anderlecht he is a quick learner and knows how to put things right.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

Another youthful veteran, he made a scoring debut four years ago in Iceland and has been hitting the net regularly ever since.

He reads the game brilliantly which will allow him to drop back whenever KT goes on the overlap.

Last season was huge for his development, the competition for places won’t be any easier this season but McGregor has the trust of his manager and knows the drill.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

A lot will be expected of Sinclair after he drifted out of the picture in the second half of last season.

When he is on form he is almost unstoppable but last season opponents seemed to have him worked out although he still delivered a healthy contribution of goals.

Rodgers knows Sinclair better than anyone and will have him fully upto speed for the challenge of reaching the group phase of the Champions League.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

Has had a limited role in the last two Champions League qualification campaigns but can have a huge influence on these ties.

His penalty in 2016 against Astana showed that he has the nerve for the big occasion, at full fitness he can power his way through these ties.

There will be transfer speculation surrounding him throughout this transfer window but he’s used to that and knows that goals are his currency.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS

Seems to have become a bit neglected of late but he is well used to being written off.

Over the last two seasons he has played a major role in driving Celtic into the Champions League- starting with his goals against Astana and Hapoel in 2016.

Every opportunity has to be grasped, whether it is on his own or in a partnership Griffiths is likely to deliver the goals needed.