Celtic to recall trio in 4-2-3-1 for crucial Barcelona test

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is expected to hand recalls to Kolo Toure, Emilio Izaguirre and Tom Rogic ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona.

Celtic welcome Barcelona to their Celtic Park home for what is a vital Champions League Group C fixture.

After a campaign that has seen Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops secure just two points from four group games, Celtic go into the match against the Spanish giants with a necessity for at least three points from their last two fixtures – in order to catch Borussia Monchengladbach and qualify for the Europa League by finishing third in Group C.

Celtic will be hoping for another classic European night if they are to overcome the threat posed by a Barcelona side expected to include the famed Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

With this in mind, Rodgers will be consciously hoping for a much-improved outcome compared to the return fixture at the Nou Camp – where Celtic were demolished 7-0 on the opening game week of the group.

Rodgers is likely to recall defenders Kolo Toure and Emilio Izaguirre, along with midfielder Tom Rogic, after all three were rested for Celtic’s victory over Kilmarnock at the beginning of last weekend.

Forward Leigh Griffiths missed the game at Rugby Park with a hamstring problem – and it is anticipated that the goal-getter will again miss out.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon should start behind a central defensive pair of Toure and Erik Sviatchenko, with the full back roles being filled by Izaguirre and right-back Cristian Gamboa. Michael Lustig could drop to the bench if Toure is indeed preferred.

In a three man central midfield, Rogers is expected to deploy Nir Britton and captain Scott Brown alongside the more advanced Rogic. This means that Stuart Armstrong is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench.

Another who may miss out on the starting XI is Patrick Roberts – with the more industrial James Forrest seemingly in line to start on the right of the Celtic attack.

On the opposite flank, Scott Sinclair will hope to replicate his excellent form so far this season, as the former Manchester City winger looks set to support talisman Moussa Dembele in attack.