Celtic manager Neil Lennon has explained why he opted to select Mohamed Elyounoussi instead of Leigh Griffiths tonight against Livingston, speaking on BT Sport 1 pre-match (04/03, 19:30).
Lennon sprung something of a surprise in his team selection, bringing in the Norwegian international after he missed Sunday’s match against St Johnstone because of injury.
Fielding a 3-5-2 formation, he opted not to play Griffiths alongside strike partner Odsonne Edouard despite the combination being so effective in the early stages of 2020.
The manager was looking for a bit of physical strength in the final third, also thinking that Elyounoussi’s footballing awareness could help out the Hoops.
Asked what his thinking was behind using Elyounoussi instead of Griffiths, Lennon said on BT Sport 1 pre-match (04/03, 19:30): “Just a little bit more physicality. We’re going to need that tonight. They’re a strong team and we need to be very strong and resolute.
“He brings a level of intelligence to our forward play. He’s in good nick. We missed him at the weekend and we’re glad to have him back.”
With the benefit of hindsight, I reckon Griffiths could have offered more from the start tonight.
Elyounoussi tried his best to make an attacking impact but consistently ran into the wall that was the Livingston defence.
The Scotland striker came into the game when the Livi players were more fatigued but did offer something a bit more penetrative in the final third.
The pairing of Edouard and Griffiths looks like the natural one to go with in future matches and hopefully, the manager recognises that after tonight.
Elyounoussi is a talent but, for me, Griffiths is just ready to add that bit of hunger we need in the team right now.
Do you think Leigh Griffiths should come straight back into the Celtic starting eleven? Share your thoughts in the comments below…
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