Celtic expected 3-5-2 v Manchester City: Toure axed
By Dominic Toner
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is set to drop Kolo Toure from his starting line-up against Manchester City.
The Bhoys are expected to make two changes to their side for the trip to the Etihad, with Toure and Emilio Izaguirre left out.
Erik Sviatchenko and Leigh Griffiths are set to return to the starting XI after missing the club’s 4-3 victory against Motherwell through illness.
Celtic are guaranteed to finish bottom of their Champions League group despite the Man City result and have been eliminated from Europe.
Rodgers’ side will be hoping to end their European campaign in style and will be boosted by the 3-3 draw against Man City in the reverse fixture.
Celtic enjoyed success with an attacking style in the home match and can be expected to try and replicate that.
Celtic are likely to resort back to a three-man defence against Man City after conceding three goals in the win over Motherwell.
Toure, 35, has endured a difficult time at the club since his arrival and is still trying to cement his place in the starting XI.
Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic are expected to line-up next together and be joined by versatile defender Mikael Lustig, with number one goalkeeper Craig Gordon retaining his place.
Stuart Armstrong, Scott Brown and Tom Rogic are set to be named in a combative midfield and they will hope to put the Man City players under pressure.
Wide men James Forrest and Patrick Roberts are expected to keep their places, with the latter impressing against Motherwell.
Celtic forwards Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths are set to to play in attack and will be asked to drop back when the club are without possession, but should be able to test a vulnerable Man City defence.
In other Celtic team news, the club’s supporters reacted on Twitter to Rogic’s performance against Motherwell.