Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton is intrigued by what the Bhoys’ attack will look like against Rangers in this weekend’s derby, suggesting there could be a switch to counteract James Tavernier.
The Ibrox captain is one of their primary attacking threats on the right flank but Sutton reckons the presence of Daizen Maeda is capable of keeping him quiet.
However, Maeda has been utilised on Celtic’s right for the majority of the season with summer signing Luis Palma more effective on the left flank.
For Sutton, there’s a problem for Brendan Rodgers here and he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Japanese talent swap sides.
Chris Sutton on Celtic tactics vs Rangers
Writing in his Daily Record column [29/12 print edition], the former Bhoy said: “I sense a dilemma for Rodgers in terms of which sides to deploy Palma and Daizen Maeda.
“In the past, Maeda has been a real asset on the left in the contest because of the way he hounds James Tavernier.
“The Rangers captain is a major threat from open play with his attacking work and the Japanese has the running power to stick with him and nullify some of that danger.
“But if he does switch left to combat that, Palma’s talent for stepping inside to play deft passes or strike for goal on his favoured right side would be lost. It’s going to be a balancing act for Rodgers and, whatever he decides, he needs Kyogo on song.”
We could well see Palma start on the left side to start the game, or vice versa, and then both players switch mid-match if it appears that Tavernier is utilising too much space or winning too much territory.
Celtic will want to impose their own game on the opposition and, right now, that involves the Honduran providing creativity from the left side of the pitch.
However, with Maeda not looking at his best in recent matches, perhaps this is the time that Rodgers will tinker with his tactics to get the best out of the Japanese international’s energy.
All eyes will be on that team sheet and the initial formation, to see how Celtic shape up.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers’ big message to Celtic dressing room ahead of Rangers derby.
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