Maeda To Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Despite resting several first-team stars on Saturday evening, Celtic grabbed a routine 3-0 win over Dundee United. While they are firm favourites to clinch the Premiership crown, the Hoops’ Champions League future is hanging by a thread following a 1-2 home defeat against Bayern Munich in the first leg.

It will be a colossal battle for Brendan Rodgers’ boys who must secure a two-goal victory on Tuesday night at Allianz Arena to progress to the Round of 16 of the competition. The Bavarians secured an emphatic 3-0 win when they hosted the Glasgow side in 2017, and the Bhoys could undergo a similar fate considering their compulsion to play attacking football.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Bayern Munich

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel must exhibit his experience and expertise between the sticks as the veteran Dane is expected to be tested frequently against the German giants.

Anthony Ralston got the nod last weekend but should make way for Alistair Johnston who has been the preferred choice down the right-hand side of Celtic’s ‘back four’. Auston Trusty has emerged as the first-choice centre-half having replaced Liam Scales, and the USMNT international should partner with fellow countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers who is irreplaceable in the heart of the backline. Jeffrey Schlupp has been registered for the European encounters, but the Crystal Palace loanee is likely to make way for left fullback Greg Taylor.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Adam Idah of Celtic battles for possession with Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and FC Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Midfield

Skipper Callum McGregor broke the deadlock versus the Tangerines and the ever-present skipper must deliver another spirited performance in the centre of the pitch. However, it would take arduous efforts to dominate the midfield battle against the ‘double pivot’ of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich.

With Paulo Bernardo out for a while having suffered an injury during their Scottish Cup tie, Rodgers would only have Luke McCowan to inject flair and firepower from the bench. Arne Engels and Reo Hatate should occupy the ‘number 8’ spots in the starting XI.

Attack

Celtic are well equipped high up the pitch despite failing to rope in an outright ‘number 9’ following Kyogo Furuhashi’s winter exit. Adam Idah has stepped in and delivered while spearheading the attack, also, Daizen Maeda must exhibit his mastery once again having found the net last midweek late in the Parkhead encounter. Nicolas Kuhn deserves another opportunity to prove a point against his former employers, but, at the same time, could be replaced by Hyun-Jun Yang or Jota if fails to make an impression down the right-hand flank.