Idah might miss out after that filthy red card tackle on Sunday. Rodgers said yesterday they were awaiting scan results but hope it isn’t too bad. They’ll probably hold McGregor back for the semi-final on Saturday too.
I’m expecting some changes after the physical exertions away to Atalanta & an away league game at the weekend, and with Aberdeen & RB Leipzig coming up.
Carter-Vickers & Taylor will be looking for game time after recovering from injury. Scales could be rested for the All-American centre back pairing. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ralston got a start ahead of Alistair Johnston - I’d say they’re monitoring his minutes after playing the Copa America in the summer & he was cramping up in Bergamo last midweek.
McCowan had a solid, goal scoring first start at the weekend & will likely retain his place in midfield against his former club. Engels might come back in for Hatate. Potential to mix it up on the flanks too & give Maeda a rest, with Forrest, Palma & Yang the options. Kuhn will probably come back in after starting on the bench on Sunday & I guess Kyogo will have to play if Idah’s out.
Rodgers made seven (7) for the Falkirk league cup match on September, acknowledged the team lost their rhythm because of it & hinted he wouldn’t do it in a league game.
Calculated gamble therefore tonight given it’s a home game against a side Celtic SHOULD beat & in the midst of a busy period.
In fairness some of the changes are returning first team players - CCV, Taylor & Engels - but the wingers are very much back ups. Palma was useless on his last start (Falkirk) & lots of supporters wouldn’t be too distraught if he was moved on in January so a big game for him. Yang has fallen down the pecking order this season so it’s an opportunity for him too.
Idah misses out as expected but I’m not sure why Kuhn’s not involved.
You couldn’t say Celtic played poorly there but several players not really taking their opportunity to impress. It’s a very different game if Kyogo scores either of those two sitters in the first 10 minutes. Palma has faded after a bright opening & Yang has been quite erratic. Keeps cutting in & bringing it into traffic & ignoring overlaps. Need a little more from McCowan & Engels too.