Scott Sinclair may be the man made to make way for Scott Brown’s return to the team.
With the captain finally back from injury, Brendan Rodgers has a job on his hands fitting him back into the team.
However, as captain, Brown is considered the first name on the team-sheet.
With Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor excelling in the team, stuttering Sinclair may be sacrificed in order to get Brown back into the starting XI.
Sinclair’s form of late has started to dip again. Despite scoring the winner in Trondheim last week, he’s not kicked on from last month. In late October to mid November he looked back to his best with a string of impressive performances.
With Brown fully fit again, it would be harsh for either McGregor or Christie to drop out.
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The only problem with Sinclair’s omission is that Celtic will go with the lopsided 4-5-1 they used during their stuttering start to the season.
With the left side all but vacant for Kieran Tierney to roam, the pressure on sole winger James Forrest intensifies. Although Forrest has been spectacular this season, it’s a lot to ask him to be the sole provider out wide.
Of course, McGregor can move further left and play from there. However, he’s shown he is much more effective in the middle of the park.
One positive could be even more freedom afforded to Christie. He could shifted out left but with license to get in the thick of the action.
This would allow McGregor and Brown to dictate play in midfield, with Christie and Tom Rogic allowed to burst forward from the midfield base.
What’s best for the team?
With Sinclair under-performing, it seems best for the team for him to make way for Brown’s return.
Sinclair’s confidence looked drained after his penalty miss on Sunday. He may be due another spell on the sidelines.
However, sacrificing width and the shape of a team who are currently looking back to their best may be detrimental rather than beneficial.
Whatever Rodgers decides to do, he can’t get it wrong and hand any encouragement to our neighbours across the city.