Celtic vs Al Ahli LIVE score and goal updates from Como Cup clash in Italy

Daily Record

2 days ago

After Thursday's bruising against Ajax, Celtic will be desperate to bounce back with a win as they round off their Italian tour against Al Ahli.
Brendan Rodgers' side were flying high after pre-season wins over Newcastle and Sporting Lisbon, but they were brought crashing back down to earth in Lake Como as the Dutch giants handed out a 5-1 hammering.
It was a sore one to take, and while the result doesn't mean much on paper, the performance laid bare the glaring holes in Celtic's squad. Now it's about a response. Tonight's third-place shootout in the Como Cup might be a glorified friendly, but there's still pride on the line.
Rodgers will shuffle the pack in the final dress rehearsal before the serious stuff begins next week. There could be a first glimpse of new Bhoy Shin Yamada if the Japanese striker's paperwork is finally cleared, while the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston will be looking to build fitness after returning from injury.
But standing in Celtic's way are Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli, who boast a squad dripping with quality. Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié and Edouard Mendy are just a few of the superstar names in their ranks. And while they're not expected to field a full-strength side, the Hoops will still be in for a stern test.
Ryan McDonald
Sutton: Celtic need to start spending
It was an honest answer to a straightforward question. And it highlighted just where Celtic are right now.
Brendan Rodgers was asked the other night about Yang Hyun-jun's future with Norwich looking to land the winger on loan.
He said he can't even think about letting him go right now because Yang is a current starter.
Think about that. No disrespect to the player. He's shown some positive signs he can be a decent enough squad player at Celtic.
But let's be honest, if you had said a few months ago he'd be going out on loan, there wouldn't have been too many folk complaining.
Yet now he's a starter. If that isn't a warning, then I don't know what is. So they can't afford to let Yang go but they could allow Nicolas Kuhn to leave without a replacement lined up? What is going on here with Celtic?
Ryan McDonald
Who could feature for Celtic tonight?
Expect Brendan Rodgers to ring the changes.
Celtic fielded arguably the strongest team they have at their disposal - minus Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston - in the 5-1 trouncing to Ajax.
USA stopper CCV came off the bench in the second-half as he made his first appearance of the season following his comeback from injury, but looked rusty. The defender could be handed more valuable minutes tonight, perhaps from the very start.
Canada right-back Alistair Johnston may also return the the fold in the final warm-up match before next week's big Premiership kick-off at home to St Mirren.
Here's how we predict the Bhoys will line up: Sinisalo; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Inamura; Bernardo, Engels, McCowan; Forrest, Kenny, Tilio.
Ryan McDonald
Who are Al-Ahli?
Celtic face a formidable opponent in Saudi Arabian moneybags Al-Ahli.
Bossed by ex-RB Salzburg manager Matthias Jaissle, Al-Ahli are the reigning AFC Champions League holders.
Star-studded Al-Ahli boast some massive names in their ranks - including Riyad Mahrez, Ivan Toney, Frank Kessie and Allan Saint-Maximin.
And they've just sold former Liverpool hero Roberto Firmino to Qatar Stars League champions, Al-Sadd.
So yeah, this will be a difficult test for the Hoops.
Here's how Al-Ahli lined up in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Como:
Al-Ahli: Mendy; Ibañez, Mahrez, Alex, Galeno, Eid, Demiral, Saad, Rayan, Kessié, Alla.