The 4-4-2 side to win the Betfred Cup for Celtic

After a spell where it wasn’t too difficult to pick Brendan Rodgers first choice side the hoops boss has some big decisions to make for the Betfred Cup Final against Aberdeen.

The loss of Scott Sinclair added to Kieran Tierney’s injury means that the left side of the team will be entirely reshaped which could lead to a change in formation to provide a more solid backline.

There is no obvious replacement for Sinclair- James Forrest and Patrick Roberts are more orthodox wingers while the former Villa man prefers to cut in and offer support to forwards.

Tom Rogic’s inability to last 90 minutes is a concern which could see the Australian put on the bench a a very definite impact sub alongside Roberts.

Whatever the team selection, Rodgers makes full use of his squad and isn’t afraid to change his tactics as the game demands- the sort of flexibility needed to bring home the first trophy of the season- and Celtic’s well earned 100th piece of silverware.

CRAIG GORDON

Another domestic clean sheet will be very welcome!

Since returning to favour he has looked much more secure with the exception of two dubious charges out of his penalty box against Alloa and Ross County.

His save from Luis Suarez on Wednesday night was exceptional and will further boost his confidence heading to Hampden, hopefully that confidence will spread throughout the defence.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

After squaring up to Neymar whoever he is in opposition to should be a step down- and hopefully have a basic grasp of sportsmanship.

Under Rodgers he has been used in a mainly defensive role with James Forrest given the task of charging down the right.

Cristian Gamboa’s arrival, with Lustig in the final season of his contract seems to have concentrated his efforts.

JOZO IMUNOVIC

A repeat of his commanding performance in the semi-final would be very welcome- the day that he came of age as a Celtic player.

His partnership with Erik Sviatchenko shows lots of promise with both players seeming to compliment each other.

A defender who likes to defend is something of a rarity these days but it looks like there is lot more to come from the Croatian as he gains in confidence and fitness.

ERIK SVIATCHENKO

Has developed well under Rodgers, becoming his first pick in defence as he allies his strengths to the way that his manager wants to see his side play.

Despite playing with a variety of different defensive partners his game has developed significantly this season.

In his first Celtic cup final he has to show the leadership skills and responsibility to take control of play and steer the team to success.

EMILIO IZAGUIRRE

The final that he never thought he’d see, if Kieran Tierney was fit Izzy would be struggling for a place on the bench.

Since his return to favour he has been a steady influence at the back. Pushing forward he has been playing a supporting role with the main thrust coming from Scott Sinclair.

With a 4-4-2 formation likely his responsibilities are likely to be mainly defensive, his experience should be a telling factor.

JAMES FORREST

Showed up well in the second half against Barcelona, Forrest has reacted well to the competition from Patrick Roberts.

The transformation from last season is incredible and an example to any player to follow, Hampden should be a stage made for Forrest.

On his game he is a definite match winner, capable of cutting in to back up the strikers with a definite eye for goal

SCOTT BROWN

The skipper would love to go down in history as the man that got his hands on Celtic’s 100th trophy- preferably on Sunday.

Brown has taken his game to a level that few could have predicted a year ago.

Adding to his determination and leadership skills he has rediscovered the art of driving forward and putting through passes for the more attack minded players in the side.

NIR BITTON

Could be in line for a return to the side to give extra stability in the middle with two strikers preferred up front.

He has yet to hit top form under Rodgers and will be concerned at losing his place to Stuart Armstrong.

A 4-4-2 system may be more to his liking, he has to accept every chance to get back in favour and prove he can be a part of Rodgers future plans.

STUART ARMSTRONG

Has taken his opportunity with both hands, getting a run of games in his preferred central midfield position.

At Hampden he may have to adapt a little to play on the left of the central midfielders but he won’t be expected to hug the touchline.

Adding to his recent goals at Ross County and Kilmarnock would be welcome.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

Hampden is the perfect stage for the young Frenchman to put in another performance to underline his rapid development.

Big game goals are worth their weight in gold with Dembele already pitching in with his fair share.

After his cheeky strike that decided the semi-final another goal or two at Hampden would round off the perfect start to the season for the £500,000 signing from Fulham.

LEIGH GRIFFITHS

Now restored to full fitness he made a telling impact in the semi-final which will be fresh in the memory of his manager.

With no natural replacement for Sinclair on the left reshaping the team to bring Griffiths into attack seems a logical option to take up.

Griffiths has a big match appetite that seems made for Hampden, if he’s not putting the ball in the net he can feed Moussa- ask Sevco!