It is Borussia Dortmund versus Celtic in Matchday Two of the Champions League this Tuesday, as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to claim a massive European scalp at the Signal Iduna Park.

Both sides come into this game off the back of opening-day wins in the competition, with Dortmund defeating Club Brugge 3-0 in Belgium, while Celtic dismantled Slovan Bratislava 5-1 in Glasgow. Both teams won in their respective leagues at the weekend, too, as the hosts came from behind to win 4-2 against Bochum, meanwhile Celtic demolished St Johnstone 6-0 in Perth last Saturday. Managed by his former player Nuri Sahin, Rodgers will be looking to take advantage of a mixed start to life as Dortmund coach for the former Turkey international.

 With all of that being said, who will Celtic elect to start against last season’s beaten Champions League finalists? The Celtic Way’s Ryan McGinlay and Tony Haggerty each have their say…

Ryan McGinlay

If I am being honest, I still cannot believe that Celtic are heading to Signal Iduna Park in such a positive frame of mind – The Rodgers effect has everybody feeling optimistic, regardless of the opposition.

No two ways about it, this is going to be a tough game, but I believe that Celtic are facing Borussia Dortmund at the right time, especially thanks to the mixed results new coach Sahin has managed thus far.

Still, it is going to be a tough night, though one that promises so much if Celtic go about it the right way. Because of this, Rodgers will name the strongest team available, though there are a couple of big question marks concerning player fitness heading into this one.

In goals, it has to be Kasper Schmeichel, who will likely have a busier night than all of his appearances thus far combined. If Celtic are to leave Dortmund with a positive result, then they have to rely on the Denmark legend to come up with big saves. Despite his injury issue at the weekend, I expect Greg Taylor to pull through for this one, though the same cannot be said for Cameron Carter-Vickers, as Auston Trusty will continue to start – alongside regular defensive stalwarts Liam Scales and Alistair Johnston. This backline is going to be tested by the might of Dortmund’s attack in the shape of Serhou Guirassy, Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi, so here’s hoping they are up to the task.

In my personal opinion, the midfield three picks itself, despite the undoubted quality of Reo Hatate, who misses out for this one. Captain Callum McGregor will play at the base of the engine room, supported in the middle by Paulo Bernardo, with Arne Engels deployed as the number 10. With pace, power and quality, this midfield trinity could give any team a game, regardless of competition and stature. Hatate and Luke McCowan will be called upon as the game goes on for Celtic.

Much like the midfield, Celtic’s front three picks itself for this one, too, as Kyogo Furuhashi will lead the line for Rodgers’ side. He will be supported on the respective left and right-wings by Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn, who both got on the scoresheet last time out versus St Johnstone. Both will be required to provide an out-ball on the counter, whilst Kyogo will be trusted to put the ball in the back of the net, as well as hold up the play when required. Adam Idah – like Hatate – will be called upon later on in proceedings to make an impact off of the bench.

Despite the mammoth task facing them, I predict that Celtic will get something from this game – though expect goals at either end of the pitch.

Ryan’s team: Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Bernardo, Engels; Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda

Tony Haggerty

This is the ultimate acid test for Rodgers's side. It doesn't get any bigger than an away date against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. How good is the current Celtic team? We'll find out as they face the might of last season's Champions League runners-up.

It's time to face 'The Yellow Wall' et al. The mood music emanating from Celtic is one of quiet confidence. As the manager said himself after the 6-0 slaying of St Johnstone at the weekend: "Why not? Why not?" Why can't Celtic go to Germany and win?

In between the sticks will be Schmeichel who can expect the busiest night of his Celtic career thus far. The 37-year-old Danish international shop-stopper will relish the stage. Johnston and Taylor will be deployed at the right and left back positions respectively. 

Rodgers faces his toughest decisions at the heart of the defence with Carter-Vickers still struggling to shake off the effects of a toe injury. His place at centre-back will be taken by compatriot Trusty who proved that he can be trusted. Scales will be his partner in football crime as the Irishman seeks a second Champions League goal in succession after grabbing the opener in the 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.

In the midfield, it will be very much the status quo for Rodgers from the dynamic showing at McDiarmid Park. It will be as you were with weekend goalscorers McGregor and Bernardo, hopefully starring alongside £11 million man Engels who also got his name on the scoresheet on Matchday One.

Up front German winger Kuhn has a chance to impress the national team selectors with an outing in his own backyard. With 13-goal contributions already this season the wideman is on fire. This is sure to be an occasion where Kuhn can make his presence felt. Celtic's top scorer this season Maeda added another goal to his collection against the Saints and he is another whose electrifying pace will trouble Dortmund on the left flank. 

Kyogo was back in the old routine with a brace against the Saints as he showed the ruthless and clinical streak that saw him bag goals number 76 and 77 of his Celtic career. The Japanese talisman is certainly the player for the big occasion and he will get the nod over Idah.

Celtic to record a historic European victory - just don't ask me what the score will be as it could be anything at this rate!

Tony's team: Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Bernardo, Engels, Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda.