The Celtic team to face Aberdeen is always going to cause a bit of a stir, but what will Brendan Rodgers do?
It’s going to be a big week for the club. Trips to Pittodrie and Ibrox could easily define Celtic’s season, with the Hoops desperate to get six points on the board at the end of the week.
A win at Pitttodrie first and foremost, however, would really get momentum building ahead of Saturday.
With Aberdeen’s recent renaissance of four wins in their last five, this will be a tough one. Sam Cosgrove is back firing with six goals in his last four, and confidence is growing up north yet again.
Therefore, Brendan Rodgers can’t afford to take the Dons lightly in what will be a huge encounter.
Even though Scott Bain got a moment to shine and increase his clean-sheet record against Dundee, Craig Gordon will start in goal.
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Big question marks remain over the fitness of the two full-backs. Mikael Lustig and Kieran Tierney have missed the past couple of matches through injuries respectively.
Tierney fit but no Lustig?
Rodgers has confirmed that Tierney will be available for the week ahead, however, but Lustig hasn’t been confirmed. Therefore, expect Anthony Ralston to be given a huge chance to impress at Pittodrie with Tierney down the other side. In between them, Filip Benkovic and Jozo Simunovic are likely to continue their partnership.
Yesterday, Rodgers gave his biggest hint yet that Scott Brown was set for a return this week. He’s likely to slot right back in in front of the back-four, with Ryan Christie playing beside him after returning from injury.
Tom Rogic may be away with Austrlia after this one, but he’s still around for now. He, as always, will take his rightful place as Celtic’s number 10. James Forrest and Scott Sinclair will occupy the flanks in a three behind the lone-striker.
You wouldn’t have known Celtic were playing without a recognised one against Dundee. Mikey Johnston did such a fine job of it, netting twice, that Celtic looked at their fluent best.
Edouard, however, is another that Rodgers has confirmed as fit. Even though Johnston netted twice against the Dee, Rodgers will make the harsh but necessary call to drop him for Edouard.
Below is the full team line-up ahead of the massive clash.