Celtic defenders have to stand firm against RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen

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Celtic travel to German outfit RB Leipzig in the Europa League group stages on Thursday and both teams could do with a result to enhance their chances of qualification to the knockout rounds.

Brendan Rodgers’ team are hoping for better luck on their travels in Europe and lost 3-1 to Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg in their last outing.

The Bhoys will need to be strong defensively in Germany and centre-backs Filip Benkovic, Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic are in contention to start.

Celtic’s backline will need to be wary of Leipzig’s in-form attacker Yussuf Poulsen, who has been in brilliant touch at the beginning of the season.

The Denmark international has scored seven goals in 14 games across all competitions this campaign, which is why he could be a real handful for the Celtic defenders on Thursday.

He is a 6ft 3in attacking enforcer that is strong in the air and is also not afraid to put in a hard tackle, which is something Rodgers’ men will need to be prepared for as they go to war against him.

Poulsen made an impact for Denmark in the World Cup by scoring the winning goal in a group stage match against Peru and if he’s firing on all cylinders it could be a tricky night for Celtic.