Celtic are quickly back in action after last weekend’s disappointment, as they face Aberdeen at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership.
Just three days on from their second league defeat of the season to Hibernian, Brendan Rodgers’ side will look to get back to winning ways against a very familiar opponent in Jimmy Thelin’s Dons side.
Indeed, the two teams have faced each other three times this season, with the champions winning twice and drawing at home in Glasgow. Celtic have scored nine goals against the side sitting in third place presently, including a 6-0 drubbing in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden, with their last game ending 1-0 to Pittodrie’s visitors.
Aberdeen’s form as of late has picked up, following a torrid winter under Thelin. Indeed, the side have booked their place in the Scottish Cup quarter-final, winning their last three games in all competitions in the process.
As Rodgers has nearly a full squad to pick from, the question remains: who will start for Celtic against Aberdeen on Tuesday night? The Celtic Way’s Ryan McGinlay and Tony Haggerty each have their say…
Ryan McGinlay
What a weird day Saturday was in the life of Celtic Football Club, and those who follow the team.
From the disappointment at full-time against Hibs to the joy of Rangers dropping more points, it was an up-and-down weekend for those of a Hoops persuasion. By teatime, it was a case of ‘no damage done’ as the table remained identical for the top two sides in Scotland – what a relief!
Now, the focus must turn to Celtic Park and Aberdeen – a side that came away from the venue with a point, against all odds last year. Since then, Thelin’s side has had a bit of a nightmare domestically, though recent results would suggest that the tide may perhaps be turning in their favour once again.
Who will start, then? Kasper Schmeichel will play in between the sticks for his club, as he looks to have a quieter day at the back for Celtic. There will be one change in the defensive backline, as Jeffrey Schlupp will replace Greg Taylor at left-back. An upgrade in this position, the Ghanaian will likely be the starting full-back on this side from now until the end of the season – and for good reason, too. Alistair Johnston will occupy the right-back slot, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty will play in the heart of defence.
In the midfield, captain Callum McGregor will play at the base of midfield, partnered by record-signing Arne Engels and Reo Hatate further forward in the engine room. Luke McCowan failed to take his chance against Hibs, while Paulo Bernardo remains out with an injury – hopefully he will be back soon enough.
Up front, Adam Idah will be replaced by Daizen Maeda through the middle, as Jota will take the latter’s spot on the left wing. Nicolas Kuhn will play on the right – a big performance is required from him after a slight drop in level as of late.
Despite Aberdeen’s good recent form, I expect Celtic to send out a message and a statement. The champions to win by at least three.
Ryan’s team: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Kuhn, Maeda, Jota
Tony Haggerty
It was broken in Edinburgh. It needs fixing. Yes, Celtic boss Rodgers will ring the changes against Aberdeen tomorrow night after the champions shock 2-1 reverse against David Gray's Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday.
The capital club set about the men in green and white in the first 45 minutes but when all was said and done it took a controversial VAR decision to rule out what looked like a perfectly legitimate goal by Daizen Maeda to hand Celtic at least a share of the spoils.
Celtic are back on the league horse tonight with Aberdeen the visitors. Thelin's Reds hold the unique distinction of being the only side who have breached the Celtic Park rearguard in a Premiership match all season.
Rodgers' men have conceded just twice at Fortress Parkhead, and they both came in the same game when the two sides fought out a 2-2 draw in October. Rodgers will be mindful of that and will not want to spill any more Premiership points between now and the end of the campaign.
Schmeichel will be in goal for this one and he will be ably assisted by a back four of Johnston, Carte-Vickers, Trusty and Schlupp will be deployed at left-back. In the midfield, Rodgers will go hard, and strong and captain McGregor will be alongside Belgian international Engels and Japanese playmaker Hatate in the engine room.
Man of the moment Jota will be handed another home start as the Portuguese left winger continues his bid to regain full fitness. German winger Kuhn will take up his natural position on the right. That leaves Maeda who bagged his 23rd goal of an astonishing campaign being charged with the task of leading the line.
Celtic blew a two-goal lead the last time the Reds came to G40. That won't happen again as Celtic will be too fast, too strong and too good for the men from the Granite City.
Rodgers will get the reaction and response that he wants from his Celtic players after the Hibs defeat. Thelin's side may cop the backlash. Celtic are to win by three clear goals at least.
Tony's team: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Kuhn, Maeda, Jota
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