Europa League 2025-2026: Celtic-Braga, the likely lineups

Celtic Park in Glasgow is preparing to host the second day of the Europa League group stage, with the hosts led by Brendan Rodgers awaiting Sporting Braga. An important challenge for both sides: the Scots want to take advantage of the home factor after a good debut, while the Portuguese aim to confirm themselves at the top of the group.

Celtic began their European adventure with a valuable 1-1 away draw on the difficult Red Star pitch. After the lead signed by Iheanacho and the Serbs’ prompt equalizer, Rodgers’ team was able to withstand the pressure and bring home a point that keeps their qualification hopes alive. In the league, however, the green-and-whites are coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw with Hibernian, a result that cost them the top spot in the standings to Hearts.

Sporting Braga, on the other hand, took the three points in their group stage opener by narrowly beating Feyenoord thanks to Fran Navarro’s decisive goal in the second half. It was a victory of character that gave morale to coach Vicens’ group, which is now called upon to give continuity in Europe after a complicated start in the Primeira Liga: in fact, the Portuguese are coming off five days without success, with the home defeat against CD National as the latest misstep.

Rodgers seems intent on confirming the 4-3-3 with Iheanacho the focal point in attack, flanked by Maeda and Tounekti. In midfield it will be McGregor’s turn to give balance to the maneuver, while in defense Scales will partner Carter-Vickers in front of Schmeichel. Out will be Johnston, Trusty and Jota.

Vicens, on the other hand, will rely on his 3-4-3: El Ouazzani will lead the attack supported by R. Horta and Zalazar, with Gomez and Lelo on the outer midfielders. In defense, Niakaté will be the central pivot of the trio completed by Lagerbielke and Arrey-Mbi. Noro and Dorgeles will be absent.

Probable lineups

Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Nygren; Maeda, Iheanacho, Tounekti. All. Rodgers.

Sporting Braga (3-4-3): Hornicek; Lagerbielke, Niakate, Arrey-Mbi; Gomez, Gorby, Moutinho, Lelo; R. Horta, El Ouazzani, Zalazar. All. Vicens.