Opinion: Predicting Celtic's starting line-up to play Bodo/Glimt

Celtic are back in European action for the first time in 2022 on Thursday night, when the Hoops take on Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of a Europa Conference League knockout tie.

Even though all the focus has been on domestic football recently, the Hoops have performed creditably in Europe this season, with the two wins over Ferencvaros and victory over Real Betis in the Europa League group stages a highlight.

Now the Hoops have a chance to make progress in UEFA’s new club tournament, but to do so the Bhoys will have to win a European knockout stage tie for the first time since defeating Barcelona 1-0 on aggregate back in 2004.

The Hoops won’t be underestimating their Norwegian opponents, who had one of the results of the season when they defeated Roma 6-1, and a strong Celtic side is likely to be selected by manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops goalkeeper will be Joe Hart, who will be hoping for a less busy time than he had in the Europa League group stages, where the Bhoys conceded 15 goals in six games. That wasn’t necessarily Hart’s fault, but he will want to keep a clean sheet or as close to one as possible.

At the full-back area, expect Greg Taylor to be the left-back, with the returning Josip Juranovic to be the starting right-back. As for the central defensive pair, it is almost certain to to be the duo of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the Celtic line-up.

When it comes to the midfield trio, Reo Hatate, who played in the recent game against Raith, seems likely to start, as does captain Callum McGregor, who was left on the bench for that Scottish Cup tie.

The other midfield position will come down to a battle between Tom Rogic and Matt O’Riley, and we tip the former MK Dons man to get the nod, especially