Predictions v Celtic

Over the border we go in the second of our Champions League group stage games.

v Celtic

Celtic Park

Predicted starting 11, subs and outcome.

Fluid 4-5-1 come 4-3-3 come 4-2-4:

____________________Aguero____________________

__Nolito_______________________________Sterling__

_____________________Silva_____________________

__________Gundogan___________________________

__________________________Fernandinho__________

Clichy_______Otamendi______Stones_______Zabaleta

_____________________Bravo_____________________

Subs: Caballero, Kolarov, Sagna, Fernando, A. Garcia, Sane, Iheanacho.

Claudio in between the sticks…well, when he’s not legging it around being the 11^th outfield player that is.

Having played 4 days ago, I’m going for ‘straight swaps’ at left & right back with Gael & Pablo coming in; although with Aleks being the chosen representative player at the press conference I’m doubting myself a little now in some ways. Nicholas & John to carry on in between those.

A midfield-centre 3 of Fernandinho, Ilkay...& David likely to take Kevin’s role higher up / 'just behind'. Suspension shackles off for this one; Nolito should get his place back on the left with Raheem likely to start on the right.

Sergio up front.

Willy the keeper insurance, Aleks & Bacary the defensive cover-options. Fernando & Aleix the central midfield replacements if needed and the attacking options from 'the 7 on the side' come in the form of seldom seen kid Leroy & Kelechi.

Notable absences: Vincent Kompany (injured), Kevin De Bruyne (injured), Fabian Delph (injured / almost recovered), Jesus Navas (not selected) and Yaya Toure (not included in the Champions League squad).

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

A short & sweet….“Yep”.

Result? Loud atmos, ‘up for the fight’, of course, and weather conditions that might favour the home side a little. But, for me, it’s still an away win.

Expected weather conditions during the game: It’s Scotland – it’s wet & windy throughout most if not all of the game, which might give the home side a physiological boost in a strange way. For what it’s worth, it'll be around 61F.