Champions League: Brendan Rodgers names Celtic team to face Feyenoord

Celtic have named their starting line-up to face Feyenoord in the Champions League.

The Scottish champions open their group stage campaign against their Dutch opponents in Rotterdam before facing Lazio and Atletico Madrid in Group E.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has had injury issues to deal with since making his return to the club in the summer, with key players missing for the opening group game, but he is hoping his side can improve on last season return to the competition when Ange Postecoglou’s side managed just two points from six games in a tough group.

The aim for Rodgers and his players is European football after Christmas, which means finishing at least third in the group, and a strong start would be an important step towards that target.

The manager has made three changes from the side that defeated Dundee at the weekend, with Gustaf Lagerbielke replacing the injured Nat Phillips, Reo Hatate coming in for David Turnbull and Luis Palma making a first start as Yang drops to the bench.

Joe Hart starts in goal for Celtic behind a back four of Greg Taylor, Liam Scales, Lagerbielke and Anthony Johnston.

Hatate is fit to start in midfield and he plays alongside captain Callum McGregor and Matt O’ Riley.

Luis Palma makes his first start, playing alongside Daizen Maeda and striker Kyogo Furuhashi in attack.

Scott Bain, Joe Morrison, Yang, David Turnbull, Odin Holm, Oh, Paulo Bernardo, Tomoki Iwata, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston and Mikey Johnston are the substitutes.

🟢 @ChampionsLeague Team News ⚪

Here's how the Bhoys will line up in Rotterdam 👊 #FeyenoordCeltic | #UCL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/Sg1LnScUfx
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 19, 2023

Feyenoord are without prolific striker Santiago Giminez through suspension but Arne Slot’s side have scored 17 goals in their last three games and he has picked a strong side.

Timon Wellenreuther is in goal, with the Rotterdam side going with a back four of Quilindschy Hartman, David Hancko, Gerno Trauner and Lutsharel Geertruida.

Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer and Calvin Stengs are the midfield trio, with Yankuba Minteh and Luka Ivanusec either side of striker Igor Paixao.