Brendan Rodgers has a 100% record in the Betfred Cup as Celtic manager. In fact, he has a 100% record in all Scottish domestic cup competitions.
Rodgers is hoping to make it three out of three in the Betfred Cup on Sunday when Aberdeen come to Glasgow, striving to loosen Celtic’s grip on the trophy.
The League Cup has often been seen as a lesser tournament through the years. However, it has somewhat of a special attachment to Celtic.
It was Rodgers’ first ever trophy as Hoops boss, meaning it was the first trophy won during this remarkable double (possibly treble) treble run the club are on.
Under Rodgers, Celtic have played and won 11 consecutive League Cup games.
In that time they have only conceded a remarkable three goals.
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The first time a Rodgers side conceded a goal in the competition was in the semi-final of his second season.
Hibs managed two that day, and Partick Thistle’s consolation in Celtic’s first game this year means they’ve kept nine clean sheets in 11 games.
It’s a truly remarkable record that you wouldn’t normally associate with a Celtic team, more known for their attacking prowess.
Celtic won their first Betfred Cup under Rodgers without conceding a goal in the tournament. Ronny Deila also achieved this in his League Cup triumph in 2015.
Celtic have averaged exactly three goals a game in the Betfred Cup since 2016. Their 33 goals in the competition under Rodgers have come in comfortable victories.
They haven’t exactly needed to score all those goals to win the 11 games, but they’ve won the tournament two years in a row in considerable style.
Only once, versus Hibs last season, would Celtic have had to have reached their average goal tally to stay in the competition.
They have played eight of their 11 games away from Celtic Park, meaning they don’t have to rely on the luck of the draw for safe passage.
A case for the defence
Celtic’s defence has been admirably good in this competition since Rodgers took charge. Their success in cup competitions has been built on their ability to keep teams out at the other end.
If Celtic’s defence can manage one more clean sheet on Sunday against Aberdeen, they’ll have the perfect platform to win the trophy again.
If not, then Celtic will have to look at their goal-laden attack to help out.
Moussa Dembele had a habit of scoring in the Betfred Cup final. He has now departed but Celtic have another hero for the Hampden showcase.
James Forrest has netted in every League Cup Final he’s played in his career. If need be, he’ll be on hand to keep his run going and send the Celtic end home happy on Sunday.