IT LOOKS like a straight duel between David Turnbull and Paulo Bernardo for the vacant Reo Hatate role against Atletico Madrid tonight.
The Japanese playmaker faces being sidelined for the remainder of the year following a recurrence of the hamstring problem which has haunted him this season.
Brendan Rodgers has announced his squad for the fourth Champions League Group E encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium and it has thrown up an intriguing battle between two quality midfielders.
HIT…David Turnbull sweeps in the opening goal in the 3-0 win over Ross County.
MISS…Paulo Bernardo sees a close-range effort blocked by County keeper Ross Laidlaw.
Turnbull started the Premiership game in Dingwall at the weekend where he scored the opening goal. On-loan Benfica star Bernardo took over Matt O’Riley’s position and put in a solid shift.
Coincidentally, both were replaced just after the hour mark with Kyogo Furuhashi and Odin Holm being introduced as the Hoops sealed a 3-0 win.
Depending on how the game is progressing, there could also be opportunities for Holm or Tomoki Iwata, both holding midfielders, making an appearance.
Skipper Callum McGregor and O’Riley, of course, are certain starters against Diego Simeone’s side.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Joe Hart, Scott Bain;
Defenders:
Alistair Johnston, Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Nat Phillips, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Greg Taylor;
Midfielders:
Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, David Turnbull, Paulo Bernardo, Odin Holm, Tomoki Iwata;
Forwards:
Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, Yang Hyun-jun, Kyogo Furuhashi, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Luis Palma.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Atletico Madrid v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.
