Celtic Fan View: Who should partner Scott Brown in midfield against Bayern Munich?

Brendan Rodgers was optimistic yesterday when he was asked about Scott Brown’s chances of facing Bayern Munich next Wednesday. The influential skipper picked up a hamstring injury before the international break which forced him to miss Scotland’s crucial double-header in the last week. He’s also been ruled out of the game against Dundee on Saturday but his return for the midweek clash in Germany is welcome news for Celtic.

Brown was in great form prior to his hamstring strain so he’ll undoubtedly lead the Bhoys out in Bavaria. The question is, who will start alongside him in the centre of midfield? We look at the options and decide who’s the best partner for ‘Broony’ for this huge Champions League clash.

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Stuart Armstrong

Armstrong has found himself in the same boat as Brown over the last fortnight. The 25-year-old also withdrew from Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad because of injury but is working hard to be passed fit for the trip to the Allianz Arena. With both players losing match sharpness in the last couple of weeks, it’s probably too big a risk to play them alongside each other in such a game.

Despite Bayern’s loss of form and the subsequent sacking of Carlo Ancelotti, they’re still more than capable of producing a midfield masterclass with the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal and Joshua Kimmich in their ranks. The Hoops, therefore, are more than likely to be chasing the ball for large periods hence it’s doubtful that Rodgers partners Armstrong with Brown when both will feel the pace of the game sooner rather than later.

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Olivier Ntcham

The most probable option is Olivier Ntcham. On match day two against Anderlecht the France under-21 international produced a brilliant performance as he took the game by the scruff of the neck. The former Manchester City youngster was signed for such occasions and this should be another test he should relish.

As well as his quality on the ball, Ntcham also provides the necessary attributes off the ball for games which require Celtic to contain the opposition. His physical presence is crucial as it makes the team a more robust unit and he has the potential to be a ball winner in the middle of the park. He also has the composure to his game which is vital under intense pressure.

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Callum McGregor

Although he’s been in fine form this term, McGregor would still be an outside choice to get the nod next week. He’s probably too attack minded to play in such a game especially when Tom Rogic is likely to start in the number 10 position. The worry with fielding McGregor is that he leaves Brown exposed against world class individuals who could ruthlessly punish the Celts.

Who’s the best option?

Ntcham. The 21-year-old gives the side more balance than Armstrong and McGregor and perhaps most importantly, on a night where Celtic are likely to have little possession and be on the back foot, his distribution from deep areas is also better than his counterparts.