It kicks off a very busy spell for Celtic with Barcelona next midweek followed by the League Cup Final and then a hectic December including the final CL group game away to Manchester City.
How do we see this one going, bhoys*?
Izaguirre and Rogic were last back from international duty yesterday and I don’t think they’ll feature as Brendan is big into sport science, proper recovery etc. Gamboa was suspended for Costa Rica’s second game of the international break so he might be available as he returned earlier than anticipated.
Lustig missed Sweden’s games through injury so not sure if he’s fit while Toure hasn’t played since picking up a knock at home to BMG. I think Toure would need some gametime tonight if he’s to start against Barca. Killie play on the astroturf pitch so I wonder if he’ll risk Simunovic on this surface given his knee injury history - he might be rested for Barca.
A lot of team selection imponderables and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays 3 at the back to compensate for the lack of full back options with Tierney also long term unavailable.
Lots of informed speculation there Bando. Any danger that Armstrong could play full back again? Can make a case for not risking 4 or 5 defenders because of injury risks.
I’d like to see Roberts getting a run and Griffiths could do with an appearance to get some form back.
I predict it’s the Brendan invented 3-4-2-1 with Boyata central in the back 3, Forrest and McGregor wide right and left of the midfield 4 respectively and Roberts and Sinclair as “the pair of free 8s” behind Dembele.
Rodgers has gone right off O’Connell after a fairly sloppy display away to St Johnstone in a post-European preliminary round game back in August. He’s barely featured in a matchday squad of 18 since then.
The pace of the astroturf pitch seems to be catching out plenty of players. Some passes that could have launched promising attacks being slightly under or overhit and moves breaking down.