We’re not far away from Celtic returning to action after the international break and everyone remains on a high from last week’s derby win.
A hard week of training will resume at Lennoxtown in the build-up to facing Dundee at Celtic Park on Saturday, with a trip to take on Feyenoord coming quickly after.
With that fixture consideration, the latest injury news and new signings arriving into the squad, it is inevitable that Brendan Rodgers will make a number of changes to his starting team. But what’s in store and who’s likely to miss out?
Celtic defensive changes
The Celtic defence stood up well in the second half of the win over Rangers, especially Liam Scales, but a change at centre-back still feels likely.
Nat Phillips has been signed on a short-term loan basis for exactly this purpose and although he wasn’t available for that Ibrox trip, Rodgers has already confirmed he has a chance of playing immediately following the break. Whether it’s Phillips and Lagerbielke, or Phillips and Scales – it’d be good to see the new Bhoy in action.
A change at right-back is also on the cards. Alistair Johnston is still making a comeback from surgery in the summer and with such a busy schedule ahead, keeping him in peak condition for the trip to Feyenoord could be a good call. He was taken off after 65 minutes against Rangers and we’ll need him for the full 90 for that trip abroad.
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More team switches vs Dundee
Further forward, more changes could be made. Liel Abada has picked up an injury on international duty and us unlikely to play this weekend. That opens the door for Hyunjun Yang to make another or start or for Luis Palma to come into the side.
Palma may be one of the latest returnees from international duty so Yang looks a more credible option at this point – but we’ll need to see if the former Aris FC winger starts for Honduras.
And in midfield, the manager may well opt for Odin Holm over David Turnbull, with Matt O’Riley and Callum McGregor likely starters. Holm looked sharp again coming off the bench last weekend and a home match against Dundee could be a good platform for his second start.
In other news, “Buzzing” Kieran Tierney explains his La Liga decision after summer of Celtic and Arsenal rumours.