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As someone who analyses the form of referees over 35 games Brendan Rodgers won’t be leaving anything to chance when Celtic take on Motherwell.
The League Cup, Skol Cup, CIS Cup and Coca Cola Cup have been an absolute nightmare for Celtic down the years other than the second half of the sixties and one glorious autumn afternoon in 57. Tonight the old trophy comes back dressed up as the Betfred Cup.
Rodgers will be well aware of the stats and the boost that winning a bogey tournament in the autumn can provide for the whole season.
There’s a reasonable argument to make that the cup ties are the most important domestic fixtures of the season, a semi-final defeat from Ross County or Sevco will be recalled much more frequently than any SPFL defeat.
As well as taking a step towards a domestic trophy tonight’s match is the last competitive outing before facing Hapoel Beer Sheva with match time essential for a number of players- especially the new signings.
The tone of the match will be set in the first ten minutes. In previous cup ties it hasn’t taken long for supporters to realise that the players aren’t with it- starting at the right tempo, putting Motherwell on the back foot will ensure a stress free night and a place in the draw for the last eight.
CLICK HERE for the gallery of Brendan’s XI to put Motherwell out of the Betfred Cup.
CRAIG GORDON
Needs to rediscover his best form with speculation surrounding another goalkeeper coming in.
For the first time since joining the hoops in 2014 the former Hearts man is being questioned- even his technique when facing penalties! The only answer is clean sheets while he tries to cut out the errors that cost goals home and away to Astana.
Gordon has never really faced a challenge for his place since he took over from Fraser Forster, the stakes have been increased with the keeper under intense scrutiny to rediscover his best form.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Seems to be rediscovering his best form under the new regime and enjoying switching between a back four and three man defence.
His experience and reading of the game have been reinforced by the introduction of Kolo Toure with Lustig benefiting from the additional support.
As a new team emerges, as Rodgers puts his stamp on the squad with his ideas and tactics Lustig’s experience in implementing those ideas will be invaluable.
 
KOLO TOURE
Winning the Betfred Cup wouldn’t have been one of the main incentives for coming to Celtic but every outing is vital as he prepares for the Champions League ties with Hapoel Beer Sheva.
His performance at Tynecastle was very reassuring and commanding, as his match fitness increases his influence on the team will only grow.
 
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
Like Toure the young defender from Cork needs every minute possible of first team football as he attempts to cement his place in the team.
Whether it’s a back four or a back three O’Connell sets about playing in the exact same manner. Effective defending with a willingness to play the ball constructively out of defence seems to have impressed the new man in charge.
Despite being substituted at Tynecastle he played a major role in the success, withstanding the second half pressure exerted by Tony Watt and Conor Samon.
 
KIERAN TIRNEY
Has hardly paused for breath after breaking through less than a year ago.
Another young player who seems ideally suited to Rodgers style of play, Tierney has thrived on the additional responsibility put his way.
As a left-back or wing-back he sets about his game with skill and measured aggression. Sunday’s penalty kick fiasco won’t have damaged his confidence- it will have strengthened his resolve. A win over his ‘local’ team will carry additional meaning.
 
JAMES FORREST
With Rodgers talking openly about a new contract it seems that Forrest may be about to have the type of season that has been threatening for a couple of years.
Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair are direct rivals for his place but it’s Forrest that is currently looking after the jersey.
If he can stay fit and deliver consistency in his performances this could turn into a very significant season.
SCOTT BROWN
The Celtic skipper barely takes a break and will be up for this clash, especially if Keith Lasley is his direct opponent.
He took a hammering following the 1-0 defeat to Lincoln Red Imps but has bounced back to push and cajole the team into the play-off round for the Champions League.
After a commanding display at Hearts, and hatchet job on Jamie Walker afterwards, the Celtic skipper will be going all out to take another step towards a Hampden final.
 
STUART ARMSTRONG
Seems to be vying with Callum McGregor for a regular midfield slot- ahead of Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie.
Now freed of the wide left role that seemed to drain him of his energy he has a chance to impress and force his way into the side in his preferred central role.
Every opportunity has to be grabbed while the transfer window remains open, a first cup winners medal will be a big target for the former Dundee United midfielder.
 
RYAN CHRISTIE
Has tumbled out of contention since starting in the away tie against Lincoln Red Imps.
During the pre-season matches in Slovenia the former Inverness Caley Thistle midfielder seemed to be making inroads towards a regular first team place. Any chance has to be taken with the Betfred Cup an obvious route to remind the manager of his ability.
With the benefit of last season’s experiences behind him, probably more bad than good, he’ll be looking to kick on from there rather than spend most of his time watching from the bench, see Scott Allan.
 
SCOTT SINCLAIR
After Sunday’s flying start to his Celtic career the former Aston Villa man will be anxious to get another outing with his new team-mates.
Tonight’s atmosphere will be vastly different to what he can expect next Wednesday when Hapoel Beer Sheva but another winning 90 minutes will benefit everyone concerned.
With Leigh Griffiths suspended Sinclair can demonstrate his versatility by playing through the middle as he bids to rediscover the goal touch that deserted him after leaving Swansea in 2012. Every match counts towards the new bhoys Championship hopes
 
MOUSSA DEMBELE
A goal or two ahead of the Hapoel Beer Sheva would work wonders for Dembele’s confidence.
He showed his nerve, and confidence, last week by taking the penalty that sent Astana crashing out and came close to adding to his account away to Hearts.
Finding a scoring alternative to Leigh Griffiths is essential, with 15 goals last season for Fulham Dembele has the pedigree, by taking that penalty last week he also has the nerve to handle the demands and expectations of the jersey
TEAM NEWS…
Gordon; Lustig, Toure, O’Connell, Tierney; Forrest, Brown, Armstrong, Christie; Sinclair, Dembele?