Elyounoussi And Edouard Return In Attack | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Riga | OneFootball

Reigning Premiership champions Celtic will be looking to progress into the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League when they travel to Latvia to take on Riga this midweek. The Celts are coming into this tie on the back of a 3-2 league victory on the weekend, where they were forced to come from behind. Despite a rather nervy finish to what was a thrilling contest against Livingston, Neil Lennon’s men were able to come away from the tie with all three points in the bag. They currently find themselves just one point off Rangers at the top of the table as well.

Although it might seem like the Ibrox club are in the ascendancy, it’s worth taking into consideration that Celtic have a game in hand. A couple of the Hoops’ fixtures were postponed earlier in the campaign, as the Boli Bolingoli debacle caused massive commotion. Now seemingly back to full-flow, the Parkhead club will surely be eager to take strides in the league. Having gotten knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers earlier this season, the Europa League offers Celtic a good chance to show the world what they’re capable of.

Team News

Unlike Old Firm rivals ever Rangers, Neil Lennon’s side currently don’t have any telling injury concerns to be worried about. The likes of Albian Ajeti and Odsonne Edouard have both been getting on the scoresheet when required. Despite not being the most secure defensively, the addition of Shane Duffy has secured things a little bit more at the back.

Here Is The Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Riga:

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup Vs Riga

Defence

Vasilis Barkas’ position in goal hasn’t come under scrutiny just yet, but it must be conceded that he hasn’t looked overly comfortable. Despite this, expect the Greek keeper to continue operating between the sticks, especially considering that Scott Bain remains their only back-up option. In front of him, expect Kristoffer Ajer to retain his place in the heart of the defence, with Irish giant Shane Duffy expected to operate alongside him. Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong could fill their usual full-back roles.

Midfield

The Celts’ usual midfield duo of Callum McGregor and Scott Brown are expected to start in this fixture as well. The pair of them are among the most important players in the entire roster, and the sheer energy that they bring to the Celtic engine room cannot be underplayed. While the skipper tends to do much of his work from the slot in front of the two defenders, McGregor has the license to get forward and make things happen in attack. The goal he scored against Livingston last weekend was the perfect indicator of just that.

Attack

With a European encounter on the horizon, expect Neil Lennon to put out a completely full-strength squad for the match against Riga. Albian Ajeti could drop down to the bench to be replaced by Odsonne Edouard, with Ryan Christie operating in the number ten role. Mohamed Elyounoussi has been a substitute in the Hoops’ last two outings, which means that the Southampton loanee could be brought back into the eleven for this tie. James Forrest is likely to start on the other flank, with the duo expected to provide most of the Celts’ width.