When it comes to high-stakes matches in the UEFA Champions League, few encounters are as intriguing as the one between Italy’s S.S. Lazio and Scotland’s Celtic F.C. Both teams bring their own brand of attacking football, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance to the pitch. The lineups of these two teams can greatly influence the outcome of such clashes, with both clubs boasting star players and strategic depth. In this article, we’ll explore the most recent lineup decisions for Lazio and Celtic, analyzing the key players, formations, and tactical changes that fans can expect.

S.S. Lazio’s Lineup: Navigating Through Injuries and Suspensions

Lazio’s lineup for their latest Champions League fixture has been affected by a series of injuries and suspensions. Maurizio Sarri, the club’s manager, has had to make some key decisions to navigate these challenges. As Lazio looks to secure a victory, especially after a shaky start to their Serie A campaign, the team’s starting XI is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in Group E of the Champions League.

In defense, Lazio will be relying on Patric and Mario Gila to provide stability at center-back. This pairing is expected to play a pivotal role in defending against Celtic’s attacking threat. Sarri has had to work with limited defensive options, as both Alessio Romagnoli and Nicolò Casale are sidelined due to injury​.

Between the posts, the goalkeeper situation is uncertain due to Ivan Provedel’s fever, which has kept him out of training in the lead-up to the game. However, Provedel is still expected to start, with Luigi Sepe on standby as a potential replacement​.

Midfield is an area of strength for Lazio, and with Matias Vecino suspended, the trio of Mattéo Guendouzi, Danilo Cataldi, and Luis Alberto is likely to be deployed to control the tempo of the game. These midfielders will be key in linking defense to attack and maintaining possession​.

In attack, captain Ciro Immobile will lead the line as the primary striker, with support from Felipe Anderson and Pedro on the wings. Pedro, in particular, will be stepping in for the injured Mattia Zaccagni, and his experience and flair will be crucial in breaking down Celtic’s defensive setup​.

Lazio Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Provedel (Sepe as backup)

Defenders: Lazzari, Gila, Patric, Hysaj

Midfielders: Guendouzi, Cataldi, Luis Alberto

Forwards: Anderson, Immobile, Pedro

Celtic F.C.’s Lineup: Strategic Adaptations Amid Injuries

Celtic, under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, are known for their dynamic attacking style and high pressing game. However, their squad has also faced a series of challenges ahead of the clash with Lazio. Several key players are unavailable, including Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma, both of whom are suspended​. Additionally, Liel Abada and Reo Hatate are not available, further complicating Rodgers’ tactical setup.

The expected lineup for Celtic sees Joe Hart retain his place between the sticks, with a defensive four of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Greg Taylor forming the backline​. This defense will need to be compact and resilient, as Lazio’s attacking players—led by the experienced Immobile—will test their mettle throughout the match.

Celtic’s midfield will likely feature the industrious trio of Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, and David Turnbull. McGregor, as the captain, will be responsible for dictating play from deep, while O’Riley and Turnbull will look to create chances further up the pitch​.

Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi is expected to start as the central forward, supported by Yang and James Forrest on the wings. Kyogo’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat, while Yang and Forrest will look to stretch Lazio’s defense and deliver service into the box​.

Celtic Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Hart

Defenders: Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor

Midfielders: O’Riley, McGregor, Turnbull

Forwards: Yang, Kyogo, Forrest

Tactical Analysis: How Lazio and Celtic Match Up

When examining the tactical setups of both teams, it’s clear that Lazio will rely on their strong defensive organization and possession-based play. With several key injuries, Sarri’s side will focus on controlling the game in midfield, using Guendouzi and Luis Alberto to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm and dictate the pace of play​. The attacking trio of Immobile, Anderson, and Pedro will look to exploit the spaces left by Celtic’s high press, with Immobile’s movement in and around the box a key area of focus​.

Celtic, on the other hand, will look to impose their aggressive style of play, pressing high up the pitch and winning the ball back quickly. McGregor’s leadership in midfield will be essential for breaking up Lazio’s attacks and ensuring the team transitions quickly into offensive positions​. With Kyogo’s pace up front and the creative abilities of O’Riley and Turnbull in midfield, Celtic will aim to stretch Lazio’s defense and create scoring opportunities​.

Key Matchups to Watch

Immobile vs. Carter-Vickers: Lazio’s Ciro Immobile, one of the most clinical strikers in Europe, will be closely monitored by Celtic’s central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. This battle could determine whether Lazio can capitalize on their attacking opportunities.

McGregor vs. Guendouzi: The midfield battle between Callum McGregor and Matteo Guendouzi will be pivotal. Both players are key to their teams’ success, with McGregor’s leadership and tactical awareness facing off against Guendouzi’s physicality and creativity​.

FAQs 

What are the latest S.S. Lazio vs Celtic F.C. lineups?

As of the latest updates, S.S. Lazio’s lineup is impacted by some key injuries and suspensions. Maurizio Sarri, the Lazio coach, is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation. The central defensive pairing of Gila and Patric will anchor the defense, with Lazzari and Hysaj expected to play as fullbacks. In midfield, Guendouzi, Luis Alberto, and Danilo Cataldi are likely to start, with Sarri relying on their passing and ability to control the tempo. The attacking trident will feature Immobile at center forward, flanked by Anderson and Pedro, with the latter replacing the injured Zaccagni​.

Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation as well. Joe Hart will start in goal, with a backline of Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, and Taylor. The midfield trio of O’Riley, McGregor, and Turnbull will try to dominate possession, while Kyogo Furuhashi leads the attack with support from Yang and Forrest on the wings. Celtic’s key players, such as McGregor and O’Riley, will play pivotal roles in dictating the play​.

Who are the key players in this matchup?

For Lazio, Ciro Immobile remains the key attacking threat. As one of the top strikers in Serie A, his ability to score and create opportunities will be crucial for Lazio’s chances. Midfielders like Luis Alberto and Matteo Guendouzi will be key to controlling the tempo and providing service to Immobile​.

Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi is expected to be the focal point of their attack. His speed and clinical finishing make him a constant danger. In midfield, Callum McGregor, the captain, will be central to breaking up Lazio’s attacks and dictating play. His leadership will be essential as Celtic looks to challenge Lazio’s defensive line​.

Are there any major injuries or suspensions affecting the lineups?

Yes, both teams are dealing with significant injuries and suspensions. Lazio has been hit hard, with several key players unavailable. Matias Vecino is suspended, while Zaccagni is sidelined due to injury. Additionally, defensive options like Romagnoli and Casale are unavailable​.

For Celtic, injuries and suspensions are also a concern. Liel Abada and Reo Hatate are both unavailable for this match, and Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma are suspended. These absences leave Brendan Rodgers with fewer options in the attacking third and midfield​.

How are both teams expected to play tactically?

Lazio’s approach is likely to focus on a possession-based game. Sarri’s style emphasizes maintaining the ball, controlling the tempo, and exploiting spaces on the counter. With Immobile leading the line, Lazio will look to create quick transitions and exploit Celtic’s defense, which may be vulnerable due to their high pressing style​.

Celtic, on the other hand, will rely on their energetic pressing game. Brendan Rodgers’ team is known for pressing high and trying to win the ball back quickly in advanced areas. With O’Riley and McGregor in midfield, they’ll look to dominate possession and break Lazio’s defensive structure with fast, direct attacking play​.

In Summary

The lineups for S.S. Lazio vs. Celtic F.C. showcase a clash of styles and tactical philosophies. While Lazio will rely on their defensive solidity and midfield control, Celtic will aim to impose their high-pressing game and dynamic attack. Both teams have key players missing, but they also have enough quality in their squads to make this an exciting and competitive fixture. Fans can expect an intense match filled with drama and skill as both teams fight for vital points in the UEFA Champions League.

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