O Grêmio volta a campo no próximo fim de semana pela 13ª rodada da Série B e encara o Sampaio Corrêa, na Arena.
– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B
Para o duelo como mandante, o Tricolor vai contar com as voltas do zagueiro Bruno Alves e atacante Diego Souza.
No caso do defensor, Bruno Alves se recuperou da Covid-19 e, após testar negativo foi reintegrado ao elenco.
Enquanto isso, Diego Souza foi liberado pelo departamento médico após se recuperar da amigdalite e já treina com os companheiros.
RelacionadasSportSport volta a sofrer com a falta de golsSport15/06/2022FlamengoFlamengo está escalado para enfrentar o Cuiabá; veja o time titular e onde assistir ao jogo do BrasileirãoFlamengo15/06/2022Futebol InternacionalChelsea reduz pedido, e Inter de Milão se aproxima de contratação de LukakuFutebol Internacional15/06/2022
Current India A coach VVS Laxman – as well as Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Sairaj Bahutule – are with senior side in New Zealand
Shashank Kishore28-Nov-2022Sitanshu Kotak, the former Saurashtra captain and one of the batting coaches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will continue to helm the India A squad, which is currently on tour in Bangladesh for two four-day fixtures. Kotak will be assisted by Troy Cooley, the Australian bowling coach at the NCA, and T Dilip, the national team’s fielding coach.Dilip had been given a short break following India’s T20 World Cup campaign, and will now travel with the India A team and then join the national side for the Tests in Bangladesh; the shadow ‘A’ tour overlaps with the three-ODI series beginning on December 4. Rahul Dravid and the rested senior players are all set to return after being given a break for the limited-overs series in New Zealand.Related
Pujara, Umesh in India A squad for Bangladesh
The ‘A’ squad, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, touched down in Dhaka on Saturday, and underwent their first training session in the beach town of Cox’s Bazar, which will host the first four-day fixture from November 29. The second four-dayer will be played from December 6-9 in Sylhet.The tour has been scheduled in such a manner that most of the India A players, barring those selected to stay back for the two-match Test series, would return home in time to be part of their state teams’ preparations for the Ranji Trophy beginning on December 13.Saurabh Kumar is a candidate to be called up for the Bangladesh Tests if Ravindra Jadeja doesn’t make it•Manoj Bookanakere/KSCAAmong those who have been sounded out for a potential call-up for the Bangladesh Tests is left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar, who could fill in if Ravindra Jadeja is deemed unfit for the Test leg too. Jadeja is recovering from a knee surgery, and had been included in the tour party only subject to fitness.Last week, he was withdrawn from the ODI squad and replaced by allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed after the NCA medical staff felt Jadeja needed more time to recover.Saurabh has been on the fringes of the national team since February last year, following excellent returns since the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy. He was more recently part of the India A squad against New Zealand, where he picked up nine wickets in the series to help the Indians to a 1-0 win.Prior to that, he played a key part in Uttar Pradesh’s run to the Ranji Trophy semi-final. In all, across 12 Ranji Trophy games from two completed seasons, Saurabh has an impressive tally of 58 wickets.
Having already submitted their opening bid, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly agreed personal terms with their latest target in an attempt to boost Vitor Pereira’s options before the end of the transfer window.
Wolves transfer news
Those in the Midlands desperately needed to act this month and with that the rumours have been coming thick and fast. Even after welcoming Emmanuel Agbadou to finally provide their squad with the added central defender it certainly needed, the likes of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have threatened to steal the headlines.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Besiktas.
The latter would be a particularly interesting option given his experience as a Champions League and Premier League winner for Liverpool. Now reportedly keen on a return to English football, Wolves are supposedly among the clubs lining up for his signature before the deadline in just under a week.
If they are to climb out of the relegation zone, then signing such experience would certainly be an intelligent move – especially if it is to replace Mario Lemina who has been linked with a move away all month long.
Wolves racing to sign "super" £67k-p/w Lemina replacement alongside Danso
He’s a man in demand…
ByTom Cunningham Jan 29, 2025
Before Oxlade-Chamberlain, however, those at Molineux are reportedly closing in on another target. According to Ben Jacobs, Wolves have now agreed personal terms with Kevin Danso and must now meet RC Lens’ reported €30m (£25m) price tag having seen their €22m (£18m) offer turned down by the French club.
The 26-year-old would certainly be a key addition to partner Agbadou and potentially Santiago Bueno at the heart of Pereira’s back five, which could even feature three natural centre-backs if Craig Dawson returned to the side.
Of course, by the time that Gary O’Neil’s tenure came to an end it was the likes of Lemina who were forced to drop out of their natural position and into central defence in what was only the beginning of the end. Now, a successful window could finally see Wolves solve that problem.
"Rapid" Danso would solve Wolves problem
An additional centre-back was always the option that Wolves needed to turn to even after signing Agbadou. Having at least three natural players in that role available suddenly allows Pereira to shift his side into a back four and potentially finally make his mark on the Midlands side. It’s that change or that improvement in a back five which could make all the difference in their battle for safety too.
Described as a defender with “rapid recovery pace” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Danso would instantly partner Agbadou and form a much-needed new-look Wolves backline as they fight to avoid relegation.
Chelsea have made a mid-January approach to one Premier League club over signing a star player of theirs, with reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic sharing news out of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea identify forward targets as Nkunku eyes January exit
As reliably reported throughout this week, wantaway winger Christopher Nkunku is a winter transfer target for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, and the prospect of him joining Vincent Kompany’s side is a serious one.
Chelsea in pole position to sign £11m forward with January talks ongoing
Enzo Maresca’s side have already made an offer.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 17, 2025
Nkunku has already verbally agreed terms with Bayern, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and the versatile £195,000-per-week forward is said to be one of their priority potential signings before deadline day.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)
January 20
Man City (away)
January 25
West Ham (away)
February 3
Brighton (away)
February 14
Aston Villa (away)
February 22
Contact is ongoing with both Chelsea and super-agent Pini Zahavi over the 27-year-old’s potential move to Bavaria, but the prospect of Mathys Tel coming the other way to Stamford Bridge is apparently off for now.
With the likelihood of Tel joining Enzo Maresca’s side in place of Nkunku now unlikely, Chelsea have turned their attention to alternative wide targets, and one of them is believed to be Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
The 20-year-old has bagged eight goals and five assists in all competitions so far, with Napoli also eyeing Garnacho as a potential replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
United have rejected Napoli’s approaches for the South American thus far, and the BBC report that Antonio Conte’s side failed with a £40 million offer for Garnacho earlier this week.
Napoli’s failure to move forward on a deal for him could hand Chelsea an opportunity to pounce, with The Athletic’s Ornstein stating that they’re attempting to do just that.
Chelsea make approach to Man United over signing Alejandro Garnacho
According to the respected transfer reporter, Chelsea have held initial talks over signing Garnacho, making an approach to United as they scour the market for exciting, potentially world-class wingers.
As well as the £60 million Red Devils star, Maresca’s side have made a move for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.
“Chelsea have made enquiries about Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund as they consider options to bolster in the wide attacking areas,” said Ornstein via The Athletic’s live blog [January 17, 13:35].
“The 20-year-old wingers are among multiple candidates of interest to Chelsea as they explore potential signings. Conversations remain at an early stage, with Garnacho and Gittens fitting the profile the west London club are pondering to bolster head coach Enzo Maresca’s squad.”
Another winger linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month is Deportivo La Coruna’s Yeremay Hernandez, and it is believed Chelsea have made offers for the Spaniard, as they scattergun the market for new forwards.
O técnico Roger Machado, do Grêmio, teve uma boa notícia no treino realizado da última quarta-feira (11) visando o confronto contra o Ituano, na próxima segunda-feira, pela Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.
RelacionadasGrêmioFerreira passará por cirurgia para retirada de hérnia inguinalGrêmio11/05/2022GrêmioGrêmio notifica STJD sobre cantos homofóbicos em derrota para o CruzeiroGrêmio10/05/2022GrêmioGrêmio terá semana livre para se recuperar do revés frente ao CruzeiroGrêmio09/05/2022
>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
Depois de um longo período de fisioterapia e trabalhos de recondicionamento físico sem tanto impacto, o zagueiro Kannemann participou de sua primeira atividade com os demais companheiros sem monitoramento especial.
O treino funcionou como uma espécie de “teste de fogo” para saber o real estágio de recuperação da lesão ligamentar no joelho esquerdo sofrida pelo argentino ainda nos trabalhos de pré-temporada do Imortal.
Desta forma, a tendência é que o jogador possa fazer parte ao menos da lista de relacionados do técnico Roger Machado e seja introduzido gradualmente nos confrontos para a devida recuperação de ritmo de jogo.
Sem ter atuado pela equipe em 2022, a última vez que Kannemann entrou em campo com a camisa do Grêmio foi em 5 de dezembro de 2021. Partida essa, aliás, que confirmou o rebaixamento do Tricolor para a segunda divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro.
O jogo contra o Ituano acontece às 20h da próxima segunda-feira, no Novelli Junior, em itu, pela sétima rodada da Série B.
Six-wicket victory at Canterbury in South Group basement battle
ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2022The Sussex Sharks’ slim chances of qualifying for the Vitality Blast quarter-finals are over, after they were beaten by six wickets by the Kent Spitfires at Canterbury.Joe Denly hit 58 and Sam Billings was unbeaten on 33 as Kent eventually coasted home with seven balls remaining, to finish on 159 for four.Grant Stewart earlier took 3 for 38 and George Linde two for 14 as Kent restricted Sussex to 158 for seven. Ali Orr made 36 and Harrison Ward 33, but the Sharks failed to kick on after racing to 76 for 1 at the end of eight overs.In a derby billed as “The War of the Wealds”, Kent made an early breakthrough when, having won the toss and chose to bowl, Fred Klaassen had Mohammad Rizwan caught at gully for four with the fourth ball of the innings, but Orr and Ward responded with a rapid partnership of 73.Having endured a brutal debut at home to Gloucestershire on Tuesday night, when his only over went for 26, Jas Singh looked like getting a deserved wicket when Ward skied him to mid on, but Klaassen dropped the catch. and the run rate was threatening to get out of hand until the Spitfires took two wickets in the ninth over. Ward was run out by Ahmad, chasing a non-existent single to point and Qais then caught Tom Alsop for one off George Linde.Orr fell in Linde’s next over, caught at deep backward square by Jack Leaning for 33, and the same fielder caught Ravi Bopara off Qais Ahmad for seven at cow corner.A nonplussed Delray Rawlins was given caught behind off Qais for 28 and Rashid Khan had made just three when he chipped Stewart to Tawanda Muyeye at mid off, before George Garton gave Sussex something to defend with 31 from 15 balls, before he edged the final ball of the innings to Klaassen to hand Stewart his third wicket.Rawlins had Muyeye plumb in front for a duck in the first over of the chase but Henry Crocombe then dropped Cox off Steven Finn when he was on four.Crocombe took his revenge when he tempted Cox into a miscue that was caught by Orr at short fine leg, dismissing him for 18, but Denly batted Kent into a winning position with another explosive innings that included a six off Will Beer that cleared the Frank Woolley stand – for for only the third time in its history. He moved to 50 with a single off Rawlins and then hit Bopara for another six, but edged the next delivery to Brocombe.With Denly gone Billings was left to anchor the chase. He lost Alex Blake was lbw to Khan for six and the boundaries dried up, but managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over with George Linde at the other end, chipping away at the target with ones and twos.Bopara and Khan kept Sussex in it with some tight bowling and Kent still needed 24 from 18 when Finn came on at the Pavilion End, but the former England man was pummelled for 18 runs, including successive fours off the final two balls from Linde.Linde hit the winning run when he edged Beer and Orr couldn’t pull in a difficult, diving catch. The result means Sussex cannot now qualify for the last eight, while the already eliminated champions Kent recorded their third Blast win of the season.
Newcastle United have been riding the crest of a winter wave over the festive period, utterly mesmerising in their rekindled attacking energy.
The high-class talent at Eddie Howe’s disposal appears to be conducive to success as one of the Premier League’s most exciting outfits, and indeed, even though unrelenting injuries disrupted United’s 2023/24 campaign, they still created chances with frightening consistency.
1.
Liverpool
102
2.
Man City
97
2=
Newcastle
97
4.
Tottenham
90
5.
Arsenal
87
5=
Chelsea
87
Newcastle might be flying high right now, but they haven’t exactly been flawless throughout the campaign. It’s been patchy until this recent purple patch, and now it’s all about sustaining it.
With Kieran Trippier, 34, rumoured to be on the move next month, the Magpies could benefit from signing a new right-back to rival Tino Livramento, and PIF appear to have identified the perfect option.
Newcastle transfer news
As reported earlier this week by Italian outlet FirenzeViola, Newcastle could come into the picture for Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode in 2025, having already seen an offer rejected for the right-back over the summer
Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode
Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to have bids rebuffed for the up-and-coming star – who had been valued at €30m (£25m) – yet the Serie A side may now be open to offloading the youngster.
Kayode is frustrated at his lack of game time this season but this snag hasn’t dissuaded unnamed English parties, who view the 20-year-old as a top talent who could be willed into a sensation over the coming years.
Why Newcastle want Michael Kayode
Though it’s right that Trippier moves on for pastures new at this twilit part of his storied career, it’s clear that Livramento lacks the kind of playmaking prowess that contributed instrumentally to United’s creative spark last season.
Newcastle's Kieran Trippier
That’s not to say that Kayode is an assist machine. The young ace differs from the English veteran, averaging 0.6 key passes per game in Serie A last season, as per Sofascore. However, he also averaged four ball recoveries per game, completing 87% of his passes and winning 63% of his ground duels.
Analyst and keen Serie A viewer Ben Mattinson hailed the defender as a “duel monster,” with his defensive quality something to be admired given his age and comparative inexperience.
As per FBref, Kayode ranked among the top 12% of Serie A full-backs last season for tackles won (2.32) per 90, so you can really see that the protective part of the job is something that he embraces.
That’s not to say that Kayode lacks in other departments, with his pace and power also suggesting that he could shape into a complete player over the coming years. He needs a platform to build upon, and Newcastle could offer him the perfect one.
Michael Kayode tussling with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Given that the Tynesiders have found a pleasing degree of success in the Italian transfer market with the resurgent Sandro Tonali, this might be a deal worth pursuing.
Howe's next Sandro Tonali
Newcastle’s neck of the woods hasn’t always been a place of prosperity, but there’s no doubting the ambition that has rewritten the club’s narrative over the past several years.
Howe’s system has married into PIF’s vision without seam, and though United have been pulled back multiple times by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, shrewd investments and resourceful methods have allowed Newcastle to keep a hold of their prized assets.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
However, recent reports suggest that Tonali could be on the move at the end of the season, with Serie A sides keen on completing a deal and the Toon potentially forced to comply so to avoid the latest wave of PSR concerns.
Keeping Tonali on the books is important, for the 24-year-old has “changed the whole dynamic of the team” – as per Sky Sports’ Keith Downie – in recent weeks due to his fine form in the deep-sat midfield position, controlling and influencing.
He’s got an air of style about him, carried over from the Italian scene, and this is why Newcastle must forge ahead with the signing of Kayode, who would certainly seek to emulate his countryman at St. James’ Park.
Fiorentina president Daniel Prade even hailed him as an “extraordinary” prospect last term, while his former boss Vincenzo Italiano praised him for being an up-and-comer who “fears nothing.”
Tottenham Hotspur target Michael Kayode in action for Fiorentina.
If such boldness can be translated to life on English shores, there’s every chance that Kayode will indeed find a place in Newcastle’s first team, strengthening the Italian contingent and adding even more flair to an outfit starting to remould itself with Tonali in the middle.
Newcastle saw a bid rejected for Kayode in the summer and have since replenished their interest. It feels like the stars could align regarding this one, especially since he’s out of sorts with Fiorentina, who have slashed their asking price to a bargain €15m (£13m), as per the earlier report.
He would provide relief for Livramento and perhaps even forge a bond with his compatriot Tonali, who has recently operated at number six but typically picks a place on the right edge of the central midfield.
Only time will tell, but with Premier League rivals also sniffing around, Newcastle must act swiftly to secure the signing of an exciting talent.
Move over Bruno & Isak: 8/10 star has changed Newcastle’s ”whole dynamic"
Newcastle’s purple patch continued with a Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta is being tipped to emulate Arsene Wenger’s 20-year reign at Arsenal, with the Spaniard getting the best out of "sh*tter players".
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Represented Gunners as player & coach
Won the FA Cup and Community Shield
Now looking to land the biggest of prizes
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
AFP
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners’ current boss worked under a Premier League title-winning coach from their not too distant past after moving to north London as a player in 2011. Arteta returned to Emirates Stadium to take managerial reins in December 2019.
Advertisement
THE BIGGER PICTURE
He has overseen FA Cup and Community Shield wins, while helping to turn Arsenal into contenders for the English top-flight crown once more. Questions have been asked of whether Arteta can force the Gunners over that line – replicating the success that Wenger once enjoyed – but he has plenty of credit in the bank.
WHAT ANDERS LIMPAR SAID
Ex-Arsenal star Anders Limpar shares that opinion, with the Swede speaking in association with brands reviewed and ranked by experts at as he told GOAL of whether Arteta can spend two decades in the most demanding of roles: "Of course. If we win one of the big tournaments like the Premier League or the Champions League, then he is going to stay there for a long time.
"He has proved how to turn a sh*tter team into a world-class team. He has turned sh*tter players into unbelievable players – the top players in Europe. He is doing something really good, with the mentality of the whole place.
"We are stable, we are a rich club, we can go and buy whoever we want. We don’t have to jump on his back. Just leave his back for a moment and let him work.
"The stress factor on Arteta’s shoulders to win something, that must be so hard for him to carry. Just leave him for a while and see where it takes us. We are definitely going to be among the top three or four for many years. If we win a title along the road, or a Champions League, that’s going to be a tremendous bonus."
Getty Images
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal are still in the hunt for European glory this season, having booked a quarter-final date with defending champions Real Madrid, with Arteta working on a contract that is intended to keep him in his current surroundings until at least the summer of 2027.
Arsenal were a day late and a dollar short in the Premier League title race last season, and the one before. Of course, this is only because Mikel Arteta has been pitted against the Manchester City winning machine, operated by his mentor Pep Guardiola.
This term, several parts have malfunctioned at the Etihad Stadium, but the Gunners are currently failing to reach the same almighty levels of synergy that they held across recent years. There is, of course, a long road still to walk.
But Arsenal probably need to make a signing or two this winter. Arteta’s squad is one of an elite level, but it’s not without its drawbacks.
It might be difficult to sign a first-class number nine before next summer, but there are alternative means of finding potent players capable of making their mark.
Arsenal eyeing winter reinforcements
Arsenal will be scouring the market for players who can help spark creativity within Arteta’s squad. Martin Odegaard is one of the finest playmakers on the continent but his absence was keenly felt over the past few months.
There’s also a need for goalscorers, and that’s why the Emirates side are interested in raiding Celta Vigo for their up-and-coming talent Williot Swedberg.
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have sent scouts to Spain to observe Swedberg, 20, in action, with the attacking midfielder starting to make real headway in La Liga.
Williot Swedberg for Celta Vigo.
A host of further high-profile suitors are believed to be aware of the Swedish star’s development, but given that Arsenal have had representatives in attendance, along with Newcastle United, they are currently in the driving seat.
Radio presenter Miguel Quintana has remarked that Swedberg will be “worth millions” as he goes from strength to strength in Spain. He could be the perfect squad member to give Arsenal that extra oomph.
Why Arsenal want Williot Swedberg
Swedberg garnered quite the reputation for himself when breaking onto the scene with Hammersby. Known for his vision and technique, the 20-year-old is beginning to find a level of potency that could prompt Arsenal to accelerate their interest.
Celta Vigo's Williot Swedberg in action
In fine fettle this season, Swedberg has posted two goals and three assists in the Spanish first division already, though he’s also won 61% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore, highlighting a roundedness and steel about him that could see him impress in the Premier League.
The Swedish talent is indeed showcasing an impressive range of qualities, ranking among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 1% for blocks made per 90, as per FBref.
It would appear that his style of play lends itself to Arteta’s system too, for the underlying data suggests that the young Swede is something of a hybrid of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Williot Swedberg: Similar PL Players
Rank
Player
Club
1.
Brennan Johnson
Tottenham
2.
Anthony Elanga
Nott’m Forest
3.
Justin Kluivert
Bournemouth
4.
Leandro Trossard
Arsenal
5.
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal
Stats via FBref
There’s no question that Martinelli and Trossard each have exciting qualities that are fitting for a team of Arsenal’s stature, fighting to win silverware on the biggest stages.
But neither have enjoyed their finest football this term, both coming under flak for wasted opportunities and anonymous showings for an Arsenal side not quite toiling but certainly not at their zenith.
Martinelli scored during Arsenal’s recent draw against Chelsea and is showing signs of that one-time life that led former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to describe him as “a talent of the century.” His pace and movements down the left wing make for a deadly combination indeed.
Meanwhile, Trossard ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, with an innate goalscoring instinct that Swedberg appears eager to adopt.
For all the grumbling about Arsenal’s creativity (or the lack of purchase in that regard), Arteta’s outfit have created 31 big chances in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool (33) and Aston Villa (32) the only clubs to have created more.
All that without Odegaard in the fold for a sizeable chunk. Now that he’s back, the Gunners architect will only be too happy to pull strings and enhance Arsenal’s fluid attacking sequences, ranking among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes played per 90.
Why is this pertinent to Swedberg’s case? Well, for a mobile attacking midfielder still within the confines of footballing immaturity, being supplemented by such a high-powered playmaker would only serve to elevate him toward prominence in Arsenal’s squad.
His pace and footwork have earned attention, and so too has his ability to serve as a conduit for the central striker when fed surgical deliveries from those operating deeper. Those like Odegaard.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
His goal threat looks like it’s only going to get better as time passes too, and thus Arsenal must take a punt on this rising star and furnish their frontline with a young and hungry dynamo.
He’s playing on the left wing more frequently this season, only strengthening the above-mentioned likeness to Trossard and Martinelli. Right-footed, his technical ability allows him to arc inward with ease and find space to shoot on goal.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig commented this term that Swedberg is “finally beginning to show his true potential” on the senior stage, and could now hone his craft and then some at a top outfit like Arsenal.
With Trossard and Martinelli struggling for form, chances to impress would be sure to fall his way. He’s the type of player that Arteta enjoys – after all, he carries some of the best properties of the aforementioned Gunners. Just imagine them melded into one.
Arsenal man started over £67m-rated ace for his country and ran the show
This Arsenal star started over £67m-rated countryman and ran the show.
Celtic return to European action on Wednesday night as they prepare to welcome Belgian side Club Brugge to Glasgow in the Champions League.
The Hoops have played twice in the Scottish Premiership, and had an international break, since their last outing on the European stage, which was their 3-1 win over RB Leipzig at Parkhead earlier this month.
Two goals from winger Nicolas Kuhn and one from Reo Hatate secured all three points for the Scottish giants against the Bundesliga side, and that was the second win in four outings for the club in the competition.
Brendan Rodgers’ team come into this clash with Brugge, though, off the back of an emphatic 4-1 win away at Hearts in their last Premiership game.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Kuhn scored the opening two goals in the game, within the space of five minutes in the 55th and 60th, before substitute Adam Idah came off the bench to score twice to seal the win for the Hoops.
How Celtic's attack could line up against Brugge
After the Ireland international’s burst off the bench against Hearts, Rodgers could have a decision to make in the centre-forward position against Brugge on Wednesday.
Kyogo has not enjoyed a perfect start to the campaign in the Champions League, with a return of one goal from 1.89 xG and zero assists in four appearances and three starts.
Meanwhile, Idah has scored one goal from 1.26 xG and zero assists in four outings, although he has only started one of the games – the 0-0 draw with Atalanta.
On the flanks, Daizen Maeda and Kuhn should retain their positions in the starting XI, given the impact that they have made in the competitions this season.
24/25 Champions League
Daizen Maeda
Nicolas Kuhn
Appearances
4
4
xG
1.58
0.56
Goals
2
2
Assists
0
1
Big chances created
0
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, both players have outscored Idah and Kyogo respectively, and outperformed their xG tallies, whilst Kuhn has also provided an assist.
The Celtic wide men have showcased their ability to make a difference in the final third and should both be unleashed from the start against Brugge, as they could use their quality to win the game for the Hoops – particularly with the strikers struggling to consistently find the back of the net.
Whilst Rodgers will have plenty of focus on how his team will attack the game at Parkhead, the Northern Irish head coach will also be well aware of the threat that the Belgian side pose, particularly with their in-form left-winger Christos Tzolis set to star.
Christos Tzolis' form for Club Brugge this season
The Greek international’s quality will already be well-known to one of the players in the Celtic squad, as Adam Idah played alongside him during their time at Norwich City.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
They played 16 matches together in England and the Irish forward may be able to provide the group with a little bit of insight on him thanks to that.
The coaching staff will, however, have plenty of footage of his performances for Brugge this season to show the players, to make them aware of the threat that he poses to the defence.
Tzolis joined the Belgian side on a permanent deal from Fortuna Dusseldorf, shortly after he had left Norwich to sign for the German team, and has thrived in his new environment, with a return of eight goals and two assists in 20 appearances.
The 22-year-old star, who has scored one goal and created six chances in four Champions League games, enjoyed his best performance of the season against Sint-Truidense in the Pro League on Saturday.
Christos Tzolis
Vs Sint-Truidense (23/11/24)
Minutes played
58
xG
1.62
Goals
4
Duels won
4/6
Dribbles completed
2/2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Tzolis, incredibly, found the back of the net four times in just 58 minutes from the left flank in the league in his last match.
Also a scorer in his previous match before that for Finland, the former Norwich City winger clearly, given his form in the Pro League and the Champions League, poses a huge threat to Celtic ahead of the clash on Wednesday night.
However, Rodgers may not need to worry too much about the forward because he has a right-back in his squad, in Alistair Johnston, who can combat the Brugge gem.
Why Alistair Johnston is equipped to deal with Tzolis
The Celtic full-back, who was recently hailed for his “phenomenal” work rate by the manager, must be unleashed once again from the start because he has the ability at both ends of the pitch to deal with Tzolis’ quality.
Firstly, Johnston’s strong defensive work gives him the best chance to prevent the Greek star from influencing the game in the final third as a scorer or a creator.
In the Champions League this season, the £3.5m Canada international ranks third in the squad for tackles (2.8) per game and second for interceptions (one) per match, whilst also ranking first in both statistics among full-backs.
Johnston has also won 71% of his ground duels and 71% of his aerial battles in his four appearances in Europe this term, which shows that he has been able to dominate opposition players in physical contests to stop them from beating him.
In those four games, no left winger has provided a goal or an assist against Celtic. Even in the 7-1 defeat to Dortmund, Jamie Gittens did not score or assist any goals and failed with four of his five dribble attempts.
24/25 Premiership
Alistair Johnston
Appearances
12
Sofascore rating
7.80
Goals
4
Assists
3
Big chances created
8
Key passes per game
1.9
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Johnston also has the attacking quality to push Tzolis, or any winger, back by forcing them to track back and help out their full-back, as he provides a threat as a scorer and a creator from right-back.
Therefore, the Canadian star could play an incredibly important role on Wednesday night by providing the defensive strength and attacking quality to combat the threat of Tzolis.
Celtic sold "powerful" flop for just £1.4m, now he's on par with Adam Idah
The former Celtic centre-forward has thrived since his move away from Parkhead.