As Manchester City and Celtic FC prepare for a highly anticipated preseason showdown, fans are eager to see how these two top teams will measure up. Both clubs are reigning champions in their respective leagues, with Manchester City leading the English Premier League and Celtic topping the Scottish Premiership. The match is scheduled to take place on July 24, 2024, at Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina, providing an exciting opportunity for American fans to witness this high-profile clash.
This preseason friendly will allow managers Pep Guardiola and Brendan Rodgers to test new tactics and offer game time to younger players and recent signings. Given the numerous absences in both squads, lineup predictions provide an interesting glimpse into the likely on-field strategies each team will employ.
Predicted Lineup for Manchester City
For Manchester City, a notable aspect of this preseason fixture is the absence of several key players due to summer tournaments and international duties. Stars like Julian Alvarez, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva are unavailable, either for international commitments or post-tournament recovery. Despite these absences, City still boasts considerable depth and quality, enabling Guardiola to field a competitive lineup.
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega is likely to start in place of Ederson, who has not traveled with the squad. Ortega provides solid coverage in goal, with a strong preseason performance so far.
Defense: Young full-back Rico Lewis is expected to start at right-back, filling in for Kyle Walker. Alongside him, Callum Doyle and Luke Mbete could feature as center-backs, with Joshua Wilson-Esbrand on the left, showcasing City’s emerging defensive talents.
Midfield: Kalvin Phillips, who is looking to gain more playing time, will anchor the midfield alongside Máximo Perrone. In the attacking midfield, young talents such as Oscar Bobb and James McAtee are expected to support Jack Grealish.
Forward: Erling Haaland is projected to lead the attack. With City’s usual creators unavailable, Haaland’s role could be even more critical in breaking down the Celtic defense and finding scoring opportunities.
This lineup allows Guardiola to rotate his squad while giving younger players valuable exposure to high-stakes matchups, preparing them for potential contributions during the regular season.
Predicted Lineup for Celtic FC
Celtic, under manager Brendan Rodgers, will also have some notable absences but enjoys a more complete squad compared to City. Celtic’s own summer signings and emerging talents are set to take center stage in what promises to be a valuable test against the Premier League champions.
Goalkeeper: Scott Bain is likely to start, as new signing Kasper Schmeichel is unavailable due to post-Euro 2024 rest.
Defense: Anthony Ralston, who returned from his extended Euro 2024 duties, will start at right-back. Liam Scales and Stephen Welsh could line up in central defense, with Adam Anderson on the left.
Midfield: The midfield trio is expected to include Reo Hatate, Yuki Iwata, and Matt O’Riley. O’Riley, whose performances have drawn interest from other clubs, remains a central figure in Celtic’s midfield and could play a vital role in controlling play.
Forward: Up front, Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic’s standout striker, will spearhead the attack, supported by James Forrest and new signing Luis Palma on the wings. Furuhashi’s speed and movement are critical to Celtic’s attacking strategy, especially against a reshuffled Manchester City defense.
With this lineup, Rodgers aims to challenge City’s young and altered backline, using Celtic’s experienced core and offensive dynamism to full advantage.
Tactical Approaches and Key Players
Both Guardiola and Rodgers are known for their tactical prowess, and this game will showcase their ability to adapt with rotated lineups.
For Manchester City, the focus will likely be on maintaining possession, a hallmark of Guardiola’s style. Haaland’s presence as the central striker could help City leverage quick, vertical attacks, especially with Grealish’s playmaking from the left. Kalvin Phillips will anchor the midfield, tasked with intercepting Celtic’s counter-attacks and providing distribution to his teammates.
Celtic, on the other hand, will look to exploit any weaknesses in City’s makeshift defense. Furuhashi’s runs behind the defense, combined with O’Riley’s passing range, could pose significant challenges. Rodgers may also encourage high pressing to disrupt City’s buildup from the back, a tactic that could benefit Celtic given City’s youthful and less-experienced lineup in defense.
Head-to-Head Record and Historical Context
While competitive fixtures between these two clubs are rare due to their different leagues, past encounters hint at an evenly matched rivalry. The teams last met in the UEFA Champions League group stages in 2016, with both games resulting in draws: a thrilling 3-3 at Celtic Park and a 1-1 stalemate at the Etihad Stadium. Historically, both clubs have had close contests, making this friendly an anticipated rematch that offers Celtic a chance to showcase their growth under Rodgers and Manchester City an opportunity to flex their squad depth.
FAQs
What Are the Confirmed Lineups for Newcastle United and PSG?
For the Champions League clash between Newcastle United and PSG, lineup predictions and injury reports have been closely followed. PSG manager Luis Enrique might go with a 4-3-3 lineup featuring key players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. Newcastle’s lineup is likely to include Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Alexander Isak, though injuries have impacted both sides. PSG will miss talents such as Warren Zaire-Emery and Marquinhos, while Newcastle has been dealing with an expanding injury list, including the absence of players like Sandro Tonali.
What Are the Tactics for Both Teams?
PSG is known for an attacking style with a focus on ball possession, typically adjusting formations based on the match situation. They have leaned on a 4-3-3 setup but may switch to a 3-4-3 if the game calls for more aggressive tactics. Luis Enrique’s team seeks control of the midfield, allowing players like Ugarte and Vitinha to set the pace. Meanwhile, Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, has focused on a solid defensive structure paired with counter-attacking opportunities. This defensive-first strategy has yielded strong results in past games, particularly through the strength of their midfield trio and defensive line.
How Have Injuries and Suspensions Affected the Lineups?
Injuries have played a significant role in determining lineup choices. PSG faces notable absences, including midfield talent Zaire-Emery and defender Marquinhos, which may prompt Luis Enrique to test different defensive combinations. Newcastle has also been hit by injuries, particularly in the midfield, forcing young players like Lewis Miley into crucial roles. These adjustments are pivotal, as Newcastle aims to secure their spot in the knockout stages with a strong result.
What Is the Head-to-Head Record Between Newcastle and PSG?
These teams have met in the Champions League group stage before, with Newcastle achieving a decisive 4-1 victory at St. James’ Park. However, PSG’s strength on home ground has made this upcoming match highly anticipated, as both teams have dynamic attacks and solid defense. A win or draw in this game is essential for Newcastle to advance, while PSG aims to turn the tables and secure a favorable result in front of their home crowd.
Where Can You Watch the Newcastle vs. PSG Match?
The game will be broadcast across various platforms depending on your location. In the UK, viewers can tune in via TNT Sports, while fans in the US have access through beIN SPORTS and fuboTV. Digital platforms like discovery+ and Star+ will stream the match in Europe and Latin America, making it accessible for a global audience eager to see these two teams in action.
Final Thoughts
The Manchester City vs Celtic preseason match represents more than just a friendly. For Manchester City, it is a valuable exercise in squad rotation and talent assessment, while Celtic views it as an opportunity to test their abilities against one of Europe’s finest clubs. Fans can look forward to an exciting game that combines tactical depth, emerging talents, and competitive spirit. With both teams missing several key players, the match will provide a glimpse into each club’s future stars and tactical adaptability, setting the stage for an engaging spectacle in North Carolina.
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