Celtic aregearing up for a pivotal Champions League clash against Atalanta on Wednesday evening, aiming for a more favourable European away experience. After an impressive start to their league phase with a 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, Brendan Rodgers’ team faced a harsh reality check, suffering a staggering 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their last match. That game was characterized by relentless pressure from the home side, leaving Celtic looking to rebound.
While Celtic remain a strong contender for domestic glory this season, they now face increased competition from Aberdeen, who managed to salvage a draw at Celtic Park after trailing 2-0 on Saturday. This result has raised questions about Celtic’s consistency.
On the other hand, Atalanta enter this match with confidence, having recently secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over newly promoted Venezia in Serie A. Currently positioned sixth in the league, Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad is determined to challenge for a top-four finish after qualifying for this Champions League season through their Europa League success.
Atalanta began their own Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Arsenal before defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 in their second match. However, they will be without key players Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, both sidelined due to serious injuries. Mateo Retegui has stepped up in Scamacca’s absence and currently leads the Serie A scoring charts with eight goals. Atalanta may also miss defenders Rafael Toloi and Odilon Kossounou for the encounter with Celtic, while Marco Brescianini is doubtful due to a hamstring issue.
In terms of predicted lineups, Atalanta is expected to field Carnesecchi in goal, with Hien, Djimsiti, and Kolasinac forming the defensive trio. The midfield will likely consist of Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, and Zappacosta, supporting forwards De Ketelaere and Lookman alongside Retegui as the main striker.
Celtic will face challenges as left-back Greg Taylor continues to recover from a calf injury. Alex Valle performed admirably against Aberdeen and is expected to fill in for him. There are concerns about Cameron Carter-Vickers’ fitness due to a toe injury, which might lead to former Sheffield United defender Aaron Trusty partnering Liam Scales in defense. The lineup is expected to feature Schmeichel in goal, with Johnston, Trusty, Scales, and Valle in defense. The midfield will include Engels, McGregor, and Hatate, while Kuhn, Furuhashi, and Maeda are anticipated to lead the attack.
As Celtic prepares for this crucial match in Bergamo, they will look to regain their footing in the competition and avoid further setbacks on the European stage.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Hien, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui.
Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda.
