After what seems like an endless run of away matches Celtic return to base camp for three matches in eight days that could help kill off Barrie McKay’s title dream.
Hamilton Accies, Dundee and Hamilton are all scrapping away at the bottom of the table and desperate to pick up any points by any means.
Despite their near flawless start to the SPFL campaign the demands of the Celtic support won’t slacken with a nine point target expected to be hit with a good dash of goals and entertainment thrown in.
Previewing the visit from Hamilton Rodgers won’t say anything disrespectful about the Lanarkshire side but as he showed away to Ross County he isn’t afraid to shake his side up and make changes.
The punishing December schedule finishes with a visit to Ibrox where the Irishman will want to field his strongest side with all 11 players at peak fitness.
To achieve that there will be some rotation, some of it natural with Scott Brown suspended on Saturday at the same time as Scott Sinclair returns from injury.
DORUS DE VRIES
When Brendan Rodgers reviews the game at Partick Thistle on Friday night he might come to the conclusion that Craig Gordon could have been sent off.
Rather than send de Vries in cold, and replace Gordon if suspended, perhaps it’s time for the former Nottingham Forest to get a game in at some stage before called into emergency action.
A home match against Hamilton Accies seems the perfect option to bring de Vries back in from the cold.
CRISTIANO GAMBOLA
Back-to-back matches will do the defender the world of good as he gets familiar with the playing style of his new team-mates.
Hamilton are unlikely to pose much of an attacking threat giving the former West Brom man the chance to push down the right flank as much as possible.
Gamboa looks to be a highly capable deputy for Mikael Lustig but needs to prove that he’s more than just cover.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
After missing out against Partick Thistle on Friday the former Dinamo Zagreb man seems a cert to start against Hamilton.
His fitness isn’t yet 100% but he came through the back-to back matches against Barcelona and Aberdeen without any set-backs.
Getting in as much game time as possible this month is essential, after the winter break he should be capable of the two matches a week, every week.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
With Kieran Tierney out injured it’s unlikely that Izzy will get much rest time during December- after a year on the sidelines he’ll welcome every 90 minutes.
His style of play has been modified under Brendan Rodgers with the runs down the left now left for others to carry out.
Domestically he knows the game inside out and should manage 90 minutes in all home three matches that are coming up.
SCOTT BROWN
With a suspension coming up on Saturday at home to Dundee the skipper is certain to start against Hamilton.
Whether it’s Manchester City, Hamilton or Thistle Brown’s game doesn’t change- he just gets better and better.
Rodgers will look to his skipper to lead by example and won’t be disappointed as Celtic push for an 11 point lead ahead of the pack.
NIR BITTON
Over the last month he has lost his place in the side to Stuart Armstrong and there’s no sign of that returning any time soon.
Bitton’s style is completely different from Armstrong, it looks like he’ll need to add more to his game if he is to regain a place in the side.
Playing at home to Hamilton should give him the chance to try out forward runs and give his manager something to think over.
PATRICK ROBERTS
After the tightness of Firhill Roberts should really be taking the chance to impress in a home match against Hamilton Accies.
Scott Sinclair’s return from injury isn’t far away but for his own purposes as well as his place the on loan winger will want to create an impact.
Three home games in eight days gives Roberts the opportunity to cement his place in the side- taking advantage of James Forrest’s injury in a role reversal from earlier in the season.
TOM ROGIC
Has nailed down his place in the side as support striker and done it with style.
His last minute winner at Fir Park will have worked wonders on his confidence and gone a long way to silence those who have questioned his fitness.
Hamilton are likely to defend in depth, with Rogic capable of shooting- and scoring- from anywhere on the park it’s certainly a night for the Aussie.
GARY MACKAY-STEVEN
Has come in from the cold in the last two matches but still appears to be short on confidence.
It would have been easy for the Celtic boss to have overlooked the former Dundee United man but there’s clearly something that catches the eye.
Opportunities to impress don’t come around very often, GMS needs to take this chance with Scott Sinclair expected back on Saturday against Dundee.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Rodgers after match comments about Griffiths weren’t particularly encouraging but no manager likes to have his team plans dictated by the media or fans.
Griffiths needs sharpness to be effective, he was the provider for two goals for Armstrong then scored one for himself.
If he starts against Hamilton he’ll fancy himself for a goal or two- and also lay on a few more for his team-mates.