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Five lessons from Motherwell for Manchester

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It is apparently a meaningless fixture but don’t try telling that to the Celtic players or supporters heading down to Manchester on Tuesday.

Under Brendan Rodgers everything is meaningful with Tuesday’s match another opportunity to bridge the gap between domestic and European football.

The Celtic boss will already be well down the road towards strengthening his squad in January but the current squad has progressed well in a Champions League group where they were expected to take no points.

Rodgers wouldn’t dream of sending out a team to park the bus, like they did at home to Barcelona Celtic will be confident on the ball and push forward taking the game to City as best they can.

If there is any sign that City think they can go through the motions in a dead rubber they could be in real trouble.

There is plenty of competition for places in the Celtic side giving Rodgers options to think over although a fully fit Scott Sinclair would be the best option of all.

It’ll be an interesting game to watch with lots for the Celtic manager to learn from and enjoy.

ROGIC’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOAL

ROGICGoalscoring midfielders are essential to any successful side- especially when they are as regular and important as Rogic’s goals.

After the opener against Aberdeen in the final of the Betfred Cup he scored the last minute winner at Motherwell.

The Champions League is at a different level entirely but the Australian excelled for an hour at home to City in September, 90 minutes at the Etihad with a goal would be a great reward for his start to the season.

SHOULD MOUSSA GET A (SHORT) BREAK?

Having joined Celtic to play in the Champions League it might seem strange to drop Moussa Dembele to the bench but it might be the breather he needs.

One goal, a penalty against Aberdeen, from his last five matches suggests that the strikers’ form has shaded off.

Being brought on early in the second half will give him a better chance to impress, and retain a level of freshness against the demanding fixture schedule through December

MCGREGOR TIME

MCGREGORHe seems to be an easy target for criticism but McGregor is making a big impact on the key decision maker- Brendan Rodgers.

He should have a Champions League goal to his name with good chances against Borussia Monchengladbach and Barcelona but showed with his goal at Motherwell that he’s not deterred around goal.

Possession is going to be vital against City with McGregor more likely to win the ball and retain it meaning that James Forrest or Patrick Roberts has to make way.

EMILIO’S TIME IS ALMOST UP

7. Emilio IzaguirreWhen a manager hooks you off before half-time there is something badly wrong- ask Fernando Ricksen.

At Motherwell Izaguirre was booked then substituted after 30 minutes putting his place at the Etihad in doubt.

Most of the time he can be expected to step in for Kieran Tierney but the return of the teenager in January and a solid plan B is badly needed.

ARMSTRONG IS THE REAL DEAL

ARMSTRONGWhat a burst of form Stuart Armstrong is having!

It shouldn’t take the experts to long to decide on November’s Player of the Month award with the former Dundee United player hitting the heights and the net.

Getting goals from a holding midfielder is a great bonus, Armstrong is delivering on every front domestically but needs as much Champions League exposure as possible to move up to the next level.

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