Celtic's record signing Kasper Hogh is expected to spend most of Thursday's European clash with Celta Vigo on the sidelines after his goal drought stretched to 10 games. The 25-year-old Danish striker, who joined from Bodo/Glimt in a £11million-plus summer move, has struggled to replicate his prolific form in Norway.
Hogh's Struggles Continue
Hogh was a goal machine at Bodo/Glimt, netting six Champions League goals last season, including a double against Manchester City. However, he has been unable to reproduce that form since his switch to Parkhead, and with Camilo Duran impressing in the lone striker role, Hogh may have to settle for a place on the bench again.
Fans can expect changes from the starting XI that beat Hearts 7-0 on Sunday. Benjamin Nygren, who has been a goal and assist machine for Celtic, was left out of last week's 4-1 defeat to Benfica and might be sacrificed again despite scoring twice against Hearts.
Oxlade-Chamberlain in Contention
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Liverpool, Arsenal and England midfielder, could be brought out of cold storage. He hasn't started since Celtic's 3-0 win over Aberdeen at the start of September, making only a handful of cameos since. With Oliver Sorensen unconvincing in midfield, O'Neill might rely on Oxlade-Chamberlain's experience against a slick Celta side.
Fit-again Callum Osmand was a revelation at left wing, marking his first senior start with a first-half brace at the weekend before being subbed off at half-time as a precaution. The 20-year-old has been plagued with hamstring issues since joining last year, so his minutes will be managed carefully. That could see him among the substitutes, with James Forrest taking his place.
Predicted Lineup
Otherwise, O'Neill could stick with the same team that secured their biggest win of the season as the Scottish champions look to get their European campaign back on track. Predicted Celtic XI: Sinisalo; Donovan, Murray, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Baur, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Hassan, Duran, Forrest.
