The ultimate Celtic XI for Bayern Munich clash as Maeda is IN but what does that mean for Jota and Kuhn?
The stage is set for another mega Champions League night at Parkhead - and the good news for Celtic fans is Daizen Maeda WILL be involved in it.
The firing Japan forward has been one of the players of the season in Scotland so far but his red card against Young Boys had initially looked to have ruled him out of tonight's playoff first leg with Bayern Munich. After an appeal, however, that's been reduced from a two-game ban to one – which he's already served against Aston Villa.
That means Brendan Rodgers can call upon his top scorer, and it leaves him with a big decision to make up front. Maeda is a dead cert to start after banging in 21 goals in 34 appearances and that means there's two places in the forward line alongside him. And Adam Idah's physical presence, and impressive performance against Aston Villa, has likely won him the No.9 berth, even if Maeda has at times been deployed there since Kyogo's exit.
So the real lingering question is who takes the final spot in the front line – Jota, or Nicolas Kuhn?
Predicted Celtic XI to face Bayern Munich
It was the question asked of Rodgers at his pre-match press conference and he was keen to keep his cards close to his chest. But he's been cautious with Jota's minutes since his return to the club, and understandably so given he'd played just 360 minutes for Rennes this season prior to his emotional homecoming.
And with Kuhn such a direct and creative presence off the right this season, it does stand to reason he'll be the man given the nod.
That's not to say Jota won't get a part to play though as Rodgers said on the Portuguese star: “He’s definitely in the squad and I’ve got to say I’ve been so impressed with him. I watched him from the outside and heard some of the other players talk about him. But seeing him come in and seeing him on the pitch, he’s just got star quality written all over him.
“He needs to get to a physical level. But that’s just time and a bit of support around that because he hasn’t played a great deal. But there’s absolutely no doubt about his quality.”
Provisional Celtic squad
Jota, Jeffrey Schlupp and Johnny Kenny have been added to the squad for the knockout stages with spots vacated by Kyogo, Luis Palma and Alex Valle. Here it is, positions as listed by UEFA.
Goalkeepers
Kasper Schmeichel
Viljami Sinisalo
Scott Bain
Defenders
Alistair Johnston
Greg Taylor
Liam Scales
Auston Trusty
Maik Nawrocki
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Anthony Ralston
Jeffrey Schlupp
Midfielders
Reo Hatate
Nicolas Kuhn
Yang
Luke McCowan
Arne Engels
Paulo Bernardo
Callum McGregor
James Forrest
Forwards
Adam Idah
Jota
Johnny Kenny
Daizen Maeda
