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Celtic return to Europa League action tonight against Celta Vigo, and after Sunday’s 7-1 demolition of Hearts, Martin O’Neill has a fairly compelling argument for keeping faith with the same eleven players.
The Hoops have lost their opening two European fixtures against Ferencváros and Benfica, leaving them badly needing a result at Celtic Park.
Thursday night’s 8pm kick-off is an opportunity to get their European campaign moving, but O’Neill also has several injury concerns to contend with.
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Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are not yet ready to return, while Auston Trusty has also been ruled out due to the sad passing of his father.
That makes the defensive selection relatively straightforward.
Viljami Sinisalo should continue in goal, with Colby Donovan at right-back, Kieran Tierney on the left and Dane Murray partnering Liam Scales in central defence.
Murray has been thrown into some difficult situations this season, the defender had a nightmare in Lisbon last week and will hope to atone.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Viljami Sinisalo
Defence: Colby Donovan, Dane Murray, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney
Midfield: Callum McGregor, Mika Baur, Benjamin Nygren
Attack: Haissem Hassan, Camilo Durán, Callum Osmand
The temptation after scoring seven against Hearts must be to leave the attacking unit alone.
Callum Osmand deserves another opportunity on the left, provided he has fully recovered from the hamstring concern that saw him withdrawn at half-time on Sunday.
Haissem Hassan should retain his place on the opposite flank. Both players offer something Celtic have too often lacked in Europe: direct running and a willingness to attack defenders.
That would leave Seb Tounékti on the bench or out the squad again, which would be the right call based on recent performances.
There is also a decision to make through the middle, where Kasper Høgh remains an option. However, Camilo Durán’s movement and attacking threat give him the edge for this one.
In midfield, Callum McGregor anchors the side alongside Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren. All three started against Hearts, and there is little reason to change a combination that worked so effectively.
O’Neill has already stressed the importance of getting a victory after Celtic’s poor start to the Europa League league phase.
A 7-1 win domestically does not suddenly solve Celtic’s European problems, but it should at least provide a bit of confidence.
For once, the team selection doesn’t need to be complicated.