Celtic aim to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League as they face Dinamo Zagreb, who are on the verge of elimination.
Dinamo Zagreb have long been the dominant force in Croatian football, but last season their reign all but ended, briefly avoiding losing their name after Rijeka’s late-season collapse. Their performances in the qualifying rounds for this tournament in August were far from convincing and their crusade in the organization phase began disastrously with a 9-2 defeat.
Since that heavy seven-goal loss to Bayern Munich, Dinamo has shown signs of recovery, winning two and drawing one of their next four matches, though they suffered another setback with a loss to Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago. On the domestic front, their struggles persist, as they currently sit third in the Croatian league standings—well below their usual standard.
Stream: Dinamo Zagreb vs Celtic Live On Discovery in the UK
Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has guided his Celtic to a commendable five problems in their last 3 organization-level games. That run included a historic 3-1 victory over German heavyweights RB Leipzig, a goalless draw against Atalanta BC and a 1-1 draw with Club Brugge on matchday five.
CELTIC’s tally of 8 problems in five games places them in 20th place in the UCL standings, securing a possible position in the knockout playoffs as an unseeded team. The race remains tight, with Celtic just two things away from making the coveted top eight.
Domestically, the reigning Scottish Premier League champions continue to dominate with ease. His good fortune came here in a 3-0 win over Hibernian on Saturday, further solidifying his insurmountable lead at the more sensible table.
Sports News discusses the key takeaways from this game, adding how to watch it, kick-off, and the latest team news.
Here’s how to watch this Champions League in the UK:
TV Channel: TNT Sports 2Live Stream: Discovery, Discovery App
This game can be seen on TNT Sports 2 for live television in the UK. Streaming features are available on Discovery+ and the Discovery+ app.
WATCH:Best of UEFA Champions League action LIVE in UK on Discovery+
This shock of the Champions League takes position at Stadion Maksimir, Croatia, and begins on Tuesday, December 10 at 6:45 p. m. local time.
Here’s what that weather looks like across the UK:
Dinamo Zagreb will miss Josip Misic who was forced off last month against Rijeka due to an injury and will join fellow midfielder Petar Sucic on the absentee list.
Lukas Kacavenda will continue in the center alongside Maxime Bernauer and Martin Baturina despite a debacle against Dortmund.
Dario Spikic, Sandro Kulenovic and Marko Pjaca will be one of the 3 fronts of Nenad Bjelica.
Dinamo Zagreb predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Zagorac (GK) — Ristovski, Theophile-Catherine, Torrente, Ogiwara — Kacavenda, Bernauer, Baturina — Spikic, Kulenovic, Pjaca.
Injured: Josip Misic, Petar SucicSuspended: None
As for Celtic, Brendan Rodgers will stay away from rotating his side too much considering the potential chance of knockout qualification.
Odin Thiago Holm is absent from Celtic due to a twin injury.
Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, and Kyogo Furuhashi returned to the XI against the title rivals. The trio may be preferred again for the trip to Croatia.
Celtic predicted XI (4-3-3, left): Schmeichel (GK) – Johnston, Carter – Vickers, Trusty, Taylor – Engels, McGregor, Hatate – Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda.
Injured: Odin Thiago HolmSuspended:
The recent form of Dinamo Zagreb’s house leaves them as opposite pellets to the dominant Celtic side, which entered the adjustment without any concern for primary injuries. We expect a victory for the Scottish champions on Tuesday night.
At any time BST
Tuesday, December 10
Wednesday, December 11
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Swati is a content maker for The Sporting News, which is published in English editions.