Celtic team news vs Rangers as fans reckon Brendan Rodgers has got it spot on

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Brendan Rodgers will know how vitally important this afternoon’s team selection is for Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup Final clash with Rangers.

The manager has such strong depth to choose from with multiple options in every position.

Over the past number of weeks it has been important for the Northern Irishman to rotate his squad with Scottish Premiership and Champions League ties coming thick and fast.

But it is now, arguably, the biggest game of the season so far against rivals Gers at Hampden Park in the first cup final of the campaign.

• Celtic starting XI: SCHMEICHEL, JOHNSTON, CCV, TRUSTY, TAYLOR, MCGREGOR, BERNARDO, HATATE, MAEDA, KUHN, KYOGO.
• Subs: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Yang, Engels, Forrest, Ralston.

It must be said, the majority of Rodgers’ squad picks itself.

Captain Callum McGregor is a must in the midfield, Cameron Carter-Vickers is pivotal to have at the back while Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn – among others – are so important to the Hoops‘ success, especially in this fixture.

But there have been positions within the boss’ team where Rodgers has had to make individual calls on for specific match-ups.

Paulo Bernardo starts in the midfield ahead of Arne Engels

Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo have both been chopped and changed while Kyogo and Adam Idah have also been rotated at times during the season.

Greg Taylor has also, at times, stepped aside to allow Barcelona loanee Alex Valle to come in and the Spaniard has performed admirably.

This afternoon is obviously no different and fans have had their say on social media with their views on who has started and who, perhaps – in their eyes – should have.

Celtic fans are pleased with Brendan Rodgers’ picks vs Rangers

One said: “Brilliant lineup, let’s do it Bhoys,” as another commented: “Into them!”

Another wrote: “Good team,” with one writing: “Good selection. Now we just need them to turn up and for the fans to roar them on. And a fair deal from the ref too”.

One added: “Best line up,” as a sixth said: “Thought he might have went with Engels, happy Bernardo starts though. Johnston fit and ready is a massive boost for the team. HH”.