Bayern Munich v Celtic: Predicted XI with big calls on Maeda and Schlupp | OneFootball

Celtic face Bayern Munich this evening in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs. The Scottish Champions are in Bavaria to face the Bundesliga leaders with the tricky task of overturning the 2-1 defeat from the first leg.

Bayern are unbeaten in their last 20 UCL home games and will targeting progression as they look to win the famous trophy later this year at the Allianz Arena. Brendan Rodgers and his side will look to provide a shock but in order to take a result in the game, Celtic need to be resolute at the back and clinical moving forward.

Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals. The Dane made a couple of big saves in the first leg and he will likely require a big performance at the Allianz. Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers will start in the central defensive pairing with Alistair Johnston at right back. Bayern targeted Greg Taylor in the first half and the inclusion of Jeffrey Schlupp could certainly assist in keeping Olise at bay.

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Kasper Schmeichel Celtic Glasgow,  at the International Press Conference, UEFA Champions League, Play offs, 2024 2025 season, 17 02 2025, Germany. Photo Eibner Presse foto/Jenni Maul

Callum McGregor will captain Celtic with Reo Hatate and Arne Engels in the middle of the park. In attack, expect Daizen Maeda to start through the middle with Jota on the wing and Nicolas Kühn looking to torment his former club. Adam Idah and Yang will be required to provide attacking options from the bench.

Daizen Maeda causing havoc in the Bayern Munich defence. Celtic v Bayern Munich, Champions League play-off, on 12 February 2025 at Celtic Park. Photo Imago.