“Slim chance against the rising Underdogs” – Starting XI REVEALED for both Celtic and Slovan Bratislava ahead of UCL game, with Key players to look out for in both teams.

Celtic kick off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign on Wednesday night at Celtic Park in Glasgow, where they will face Slovan Bratislava. The Scottish champions will be looking to start strong against the Slovakian side, who are making their debut in the competition. This marks a key moment for both teams, and fans will be eager to see how the clash unfolds.

Celtic’s Recent Form and Expectations

Celtic have started their domestic season in impressive fashion under manager Brendan Rodgers. The team has already secured notable victories, including a resounding 3-0 win over rivals Rangers in the Old Firm Derby. After five games in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic sit at the top of the table with a perfect record, having won every match so far.

Their form in pre-season also garnered attention, as they competed well against some of Europe’s biggest clubs. With this positive momentum, Celtic will be eager to make a strong start in the Champions League, a competition where they’ve struggled to make a significant impact in recent years. The new “Swiss model” format for the group stage might offer them a fresh opportunity to progress further.

Slovan Bratislava’s Road to the Group Stage

Slovan Bratislava, the Slovakian champions, have had a more arduous path to the Champions League. To qualify, they had to navigate multiple rounds, overcoming teams like Struga, Celje, APOEL, and Midtjylland. Their journey began back in mid-July, and they were the only team to start in the first qualifying round and make it to the league phase.

Despite their achievement, Slovan Bratislava’s recent form has been inconsistent. Notably, they suffered a shocking 5-0 home defeat to MSK Zilina before the September international break. However, they remain at the top of the Slovakian league and will be determined to make their mark on the European stage.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Celtic

Celtic head into this match with a relatively healthy squad. The only significant absentee is Maik Nawrocki, who is dealing with a calf injury. Brendan Rodgers has relied on a consistent lineup in recent weeks, and few changes are expected from the side that beat Hearts 2-0 over the weekend.

Summer signing Arne Engels has impressed since joining the club, and he is likely to retain his place in the starting XI. Engels scored from the penalty spot on his full debut against Hearts, and he will be expected to contribute once again. Luke McCowan, who scored off the bench in the same match, could also push for a starting role.

Celtic’s predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda.

Slovan Bratislava

Slovan Bratislava also arrive in Glasgow with a mostly fit squad, though they will be without defender Lukas Pauschek due to a shoulder injury. The Slovakian side will look to Armenian forward Tigran Barseghyan as their main attacking threat. Barseghyan has already scored ten goals across all competitions this season and will be a key player for the visitors.

Slovan also boast experienced players such as Vladimir Weiss and Juraj Kucka, both of whom have international experience with Slovakia. In defense, they will rely on former Tottenham Hotspur player Kevin Wimmer, who brings valuable top-level experience.

Slovan Bratislava’s predicted lineup (4-3-3):
Takac; Blackman, Kashia, Bajric, Wimmer; Szoke, Kucka, Tolic; Barseghyan, Strelec, Weiss.

Celtic’s Champions League Challenges

Celtic’s recent performances in the Champions League have been far from ideal. The club has endured back-to-back disappointing campaigns in the group stage, struggling to secure wins against Europe’s elite. However, this time, they are optimistic about making a deeper run, particularly with a group stage format that may offer more favorable matchups.

Playing at home at Celtic Park, with its raucous atmosphere, gives the Scottish champions a distinct advantage. The fans will play a crucial role in driving the team forward, as they always do in European nights. Celtic’s players will need to stay composed and disciplined, especially given Slovan’s physical and determined style of play.

Brendan Rodgers, in his second stint as manager, will look to set the tone early with a high-intensity, attacking approach. Kyogo Furuhashi, who has been in superb form, will lead the line and look to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Slovan’s backline. With the likes of Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor pulling the strings in midfield, Celtic have the creative and attacking talent to break down even the most stubborn defenses.

Slovan Bratislava’s Approach

Slovan Bratislava will be entering this match as clear underdogs, but they will not be easy opponents. The Slovakian champions have shown resilience throughout their qualification campaign and will be determined to make life difficult for their Scottish hosts. Expect Slovan to adopt a more defensive approach, relying on counter-attacks and set pieces to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Tigran Barseghyan will be a key player for the visitors. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat. Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Juraj Kucka will provide leadership and composure in the middle of the park. If Slovan can frustrate Celtic and remain solid defensively, they might be able to snatch a goal on the break.

Prediction: Celtic 2-0 Slovan Bratislava

While Slovan Bratislava have battled hard to reach this stage, Celtic are clear favorites to secure a win at home. Brendan Rodgers’ side have started the season in fine form and will be eager to put their recent European struggles behind them. The attacking trio of Furuhashi, Maeda, and Kuhn should have enough firepower to break down Slovan’s defense.

Slovan may offer some resistance, but Celtic’s experience, quality, and home advantage should see them through to a comfortable victory. A 2-0 win for Celtic seems a likely outcome, allowing them to kick off their Champions League campaign with three crucial points.

Conclusion

Celtic’s Champions League opener against Slovan Bratislava is a significant fixture for both clubs. For Celtic, it’s a chance to establish themselves early in the competition and put their recent European woes behind them. Slovan, meanwhile, will be eager to make the most of their debut on the biggest stage in European football.

The match promises to be an exciting contest, with Celtic expected to dominate possession and create the majority of the chances. However, Slovan’s determination and grit should not be underestimated. In the end, the quality of Celtic’s squad and the support of their home crowd will likely prove too much for the Slovakian visitors.