THERE is a first time for everything.

Celtic travel to take on Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday evening in the knowledge that none of their green-and-white predecessors has ever before won a competitive tie in Germany.

To add to the task facing them in North Rhine-Westphalia, their upcoming foes recently left Glasgow with a comprehensive 4-0 win in their back pockets.

Back then, Ange Postecoglou's side had won only twice in seven matches. This time, however, they go into the match nine unbeaten.

So who will the manager pick to try to make history? Sean Martin and Tony Haggerty have a think...

Sean Martin

Second-time lucky for me this week as I go with the same starting XI that I predicted for the League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone.

That means James Forrest in for Liel Abada and no other changes from that match. 

The Israeli has put up good raw - and underlying - numbers but now that Forrest is approaching full fitness again he should resume his place as first-choice right winger as soon as possible; his Hampden winner only underlined that.

It also presents a chance to see a front three of Kyogo, Jota and Forrest together from the start which has the potential to be dynamite at home and abroad.

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Elsewhere, a bigger performance is required from David Turnbull after a slack showing at the national stadium, while Stephen Welsh will start again having recovered from an injury suffered at the hands (or, rather, elbow) of Shaun Rooney on Saturday.

Perhaps a more crucial aspect to the whole affair will be Joe Hart. The keeper has looked wobbly the past couple of games but Celtic absolutely need him to be back in top form for this one - they've already witnessed the goal threat Leverkusen carry after all.

Sean's team: Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Juranovic; Bitton, McGregor; Forrest, Turnbull, Jota; Kyogo.

Tony Haggerty

It’s fair to say that there is confidence coursing through this Celtic side at the moment.

With a League Cup final on the horizon next month, Ange Postecoglou's men are in a great position to have a rip at the Europa League and see if they can make the knockout phase.

If Celtic can score first for the 12th consecutive time in a European away fixture then all bets could be off.

READ MORE: Celtic duo Jota and Kyogo's elite numbers make European trophy target feel realistic

The manager will certainly go for it - as he knows no other way - and the stage could be set for a special night and a first-ever European win on German soil.

As Postecoglou has Stephen Welsh available, there is no need for Nir Bitton to revert to centre-back and therefore the Israeli can continue in midfield as Tom Rogic's absence continues.

I can also see Hampden hero James Forrest retaining his place in the starting XI at the expense of Liel Abada.

Tony's team: Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Juranovic; Bitton, McGregor, Turnbull; Forrest, Kyogo, Jota.