Celtic Football Formation

Lineup (4-2-3-1)

The point of this leg is to score AT LEAST 2 goals and win the game by AT LEAST a margin of 1.

In this setup we try something different as it was adjudicated that Messi ran riot on two very good center backs and a defensive midfielder. Hence we change the one marking him.

In this game we will allot the responsibility of keeping Messi in control to Bastian. There will be no need for man marking. The idea is to push Messi wide where his efficiency drops. He will attempt pull backs and the odd cross. Our defensive pair can take care of that.

De Rossi will play with more energy and drive forward when the situation demands it. He isn't averse to a more added role and Prandelli has often used him as more than a DM. But he will prioritize breaking play down and dictating play occasionally bursting forwards.

Lewandowski will play a proper CF in this game offering everything he does. Hazard and Ribery will go all out and attack the fullbacks. If they double up with midfield players then our fullbacks attack and in that stead they are the best in today's game.

Marcelo adept at turning players with his attacking play and Lahm with his crosses.

The idea is to isolate the two center halves, hence Iniesta will play more within the box and whenever he has the ball, he will charge into the box and at Thiago Silva. He has that odd tendency for an aggressive tackle which will earn him reprimands. One reprimand should put him on the backfoot for the rest of the game, deterring his natural tendencies.

With Lahm and Marcelo flowing forward, Hazard and Ribery can now push inwards and attack the space between center back and fullback. This will entice the centerbacks to commit to either denying them space or not doing so at all. If the center backs deny Hazard or Ribery space, they will leave some for Iniesta and Lewa to exploit. If they don't Hazard and Ribery can work their magic.

We will not put our faith in crossing the ball too much but in the light that we do at times, Lewa is there.

We will systematically break the players down.

Defensively our front four MUST PRESS the opposition who will not look to play the ball out quickly. Since they will look to defend, the added pressure will make them lose possession often.

Bastian will keep close to Messi at times when he moves central. Otherwise Basti can play his game.

Hazard and Ribery committ to defensive duty often as if they are playing for a Jose team.

Subs:

After 60 mins Aguero on for Lewandowski. Same task only less crossing now and more emphasis on finding him space to work in.

If after 80 mins, we are do not have 2 goals and a lead of 1 at LEAST.

Sterling On for Bastian

Move to a 4-1-4-1

Aguero up top with Hazard and Iniesta behind him. Raheem right, Ribery Left. De Rossi shields center backs.

If it goes to penalties. Fabregas on for Hummels.

Basti takes first penalty.

Fabregas third.