Brendan’s 4-2-3-1 system to storm Sevco
Brendan Rodgers probably knew his team for Hampden as soon as the final whistle blew against Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night.
His decisive use of substitutes suggests that Callum McGregor could come in to replace Nir Bitton but changes will be kept to a minimum.
After a little bit of rotation earlier in the season it seems that Rodgers is settling towards a first choice XI that excludes Leigh Griffiths and Patrick Roberts.
Dorus de Vries was the only signing that caused concern but the hoops boss wasn’t too proud to admit his mistake as he restored Craig Gordon to favour.
It shouldn’t take too much to raise the players after losing to Gladbach, a win over the noisy neighbours and booking a cup final place in November will provide the players with all the incentives needed.
While European progress is the real benchmark of Celtic side’s domestic cup competitions have been neglected in recent seasons. Rodgers will be well briefed on those past failings- and determined to ensure that a new chapter opens as he chases his first major trophy as a manager.
CLICK HERE for the XI to see off Sevco.
CRAIG GORDON
A veteran of both Hampden semi-finals against Sevco the keeper will be looking to underline his position as first choice keeper despite the arrival of Dorus de Vries.
Since returning to the team against Manchester City he has looked less edgy although not back to the form that he showed in his debut season.
His lines of communication with the centre of defence will be vital, a repeat of his leisurely 2015 League Cup semi final would be preferred rather than a rerun of this year’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Has quietly rediscovered his form although the arrival of Cristian Gamboa shows the ruthless sign of his new manager.
After being injured in the opening match of Euro 2016 Lustig has bounced back well and played a key role in reaching the group stage of the Champions League.
There is more of an emphasis on the defensive duties of his game with James Forrest the main attacking outlet down the right, Lustig mainly playing a supporting role.
KOLO TOURE
Some may be questioning whether the former Liverpool player will retain his place but Rodgers’ faith won’t be altered by the mistakes against Borussia Monchengladbach.
In the closing minutes against Motherwell last Saturday Toure was brought on highlighting the trust that his manager has.
Sevco won’t pose anything like the threat that Celtic’s European opponents have posed, Toure can play a lead role in taking the hoops through to the final and another Hampden visit.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
He’ll be feeling the heat of Jozo Simunovic on his neck but the Dane looks a certain starter at Hampden.
In the Scottish Cup semi-final he replaced Dedryck Boyata and was one of the few plus points from an awful day.
Sviatchenko doesn’t have the commanding presence of traditional central defenders but tends to get the job done with minimum fuss. His style of defending seems tuned in with that of his new manager.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Suffered a bit of a wobble against Borussia Monchengladbach just to prove that he is human after all.
It’s highly unlikely that he’ll be tested and challenged domestically to the same extent as the Germans managed with Hampden providing a great platform for attacking full-backs.
The prospect of reaching a domestic cup final before the turn of the year will be a big motivator- as will atoning for last season’s Scottish Cup reverse. We can count on KT.
SCOTT BROWN
Our new improved international-free midfield dynamo will relish the match and another opportunity to demonstrate how little Joey Barton knows about Scottish football.
The defeat from Gladbach will have hurt Broony but he’ll know that booking a cup final place will provide some form of consolation.
Having been earmarked as a likely casualty of the new manager the former Hibs midfielder has bounced back to his best form adding an extra dimension to his passing and ability to push forward, driving at opponents.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Nir Bitton’s performance against Gladbach must have set off some alarm bells- and opened the door for McGregor to take his place.
McGregor came in from the cold at the start of the season and instantly hit it off with Scott Brown inspiring the Celtic skipper onto a new level.
His quick passing and ability to get shots on target are bound to appeal to Rodgers who hasn’t been slow to select McGregor. A surprise but deserving choice.
JAMES FORREST
Came in for some criticism for his display against Gladbach but was given little opportunity to impress, like most of his attacking team-mates.
There’s a good case for the 24-year-old being regarded as Celtic’s most influential player of the season despite the influx of players under new management.
With his reborn pace, close control and ability to score it would be a major surprise if he was to be left out despite the shadow of Patrick Roberts lurking on the bench.
TOM ROGIC
Like a few others he was below par in midweek, with something to prove tomorrow.
The Australian was a key figure in last month’s 5-1 win at Celtic Park before making way for Stuart Armstrong.
His pass for Scott Sinclair’s chance against Gladbach was from the top drawer, he’ll be looking to get on the scoresheet at Hampden and book a final place.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Excelled in the 5-1 win highlighted by his goal.
Playing as a deeper striker he offers Moussa Dembele great support but plays deep enough to keep off the radar of central defenders.
So far he’s looked a complete natural, taking every challenge as a Celtic player in his stride. A first visit to Hampden and the opportunity to reach a final will provide all the incentive needed to secure a win.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Leigh Griffiths has made it crystal clear that he wants to be starting matches but he’ll need to find a way past the impressive former Fulham striker.
Since his hat-trick against Sevco in September he has taken his game up to a new level- as proven by his double against Manchester City.
Not many strikers revel playing alone up front but with his strength and close control Dembele is a natural. Hampden would be the perfect location to score his first goal/s away from Celtic Park.