Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas has stated that he believes that Leigh Griffiths should start over Odsonne Edouard against Rennes.
Nicholas has been highly-criticised in the past by Celtic fans for his overly-scathing views. Fans had a pop at him as recently as two months ago when he had a dig at Edouard’s celebration-style.
However, his prediction for who will start up top on Thursday is unlikely to rile many up. Griffiths, however, has only just returned from an injury that has kept him out of action since August. Edouard, meanwhile, has rattled home a fine 13 goals and managed 12 assists in a starring campaign (Transfermarkt).
Speaking in his Daily Express column (26/11, page 56), ex-Celtic and Arsenal forward Nicholas believes that Thursday night is the ideal time to give Griffiths another run-out.
“Celtic have already booked their last-32 spot but they will want to send a message to their fans and I expect them to win at home.
“Leigh Griffiths is getting fitter and was back in the squad last weekend. I’d imagine Neil Lennon will probably let him lead the line unless Odsonne Edouard is of the mind that he wants to play.
“Olivier Ntcham and Tom Rogic might start and there will probably be three or four players who haven’t been regulars of late.”
Celtic vs Rennes is no friendly
The way Nicholas comes across in describing this game is as if it’s some form of friendly. Even though he does state that Celtic will want to send a message, he says that Neil Lennon would allow Griff to lead the line unless Edouard wanted to.
That would be an absolutely baffling way to decide who starts up top. Lennon has to choose the striker he feels is best suited to getting at Rennes, and who is more prepared for the challenge.
Griffiths, remember, has only just come back from a three-month absence. He’s only had 22 minutes of football under his belt since then. To expect him to come in and efficiently lead the line against a talented Ligue 1 side seems a tad optimistic.
Going with Edouard for this one and then giving Griffiths his shot against Ross County would make more sense. This isn’t a dead-rubber, there’s a group to win here.
Messing about with our strongest XI should only be saved for games where we know we can get a result without our strongest team. Is Rennes truly a team we can do that against? Who knows? That’s why it’s a risk.
Griffiths will get his chance to shine in the coming weeks. After all, this is one of just 10 matches we have over the next five weeks. Griff will get his fair share, but Thursday night is too soon.
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