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Rodgers four key decisions for Hampden

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Brendan Rodgers has four massive decisions to make for his side to face Sevco at Hampden on Sunday.

With his attention to detail the Irishman will already have decided on his team and have the players working around those formations this week in training.

Over the three fixtures since clinching the SPFL title the hoops boss has made a number of changes, partly keeping players fresh and experimenting with different formations but the target was always to be at full strength for kick off on Sunday.

From the moment that the players got on the team bus after winning the title at Tynecastle Rodgers will have been thinking about this match.

He’ll have half an eye on the prospect of extra-time but will pick a team to win the game in 90 minutes which will almost certainly involve using 14 players.

At the Betfred Cup semi-final in October Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths had a major impact on the match with the former Dundee United man sealing his place in the side from that fixture onwards.

The Celtic boss will leave nothing to chance, he knows the rewards waiting and will be going the extra mile to ensure a further Hampden appearance on May 27

Sviatchenko or Simunovic to partner Boyata?

Sviatchenko and Simunovic cruised through the Betfred semi-final in October but have had their partnership disrupted by the return of Dedryck Boyata.

In a move that surprised most fans the Belgian internationalist now seems to be the first choice central defender.

Sviatchenko has been below par in the last two derby fixtures and is likely to watch this one from the bench although he proved to be a more than decent substitute in last season’s fixture.

McGregor or Armstrong alongside Brown?

I think McGregor will get the vote, he performed well alongside Brown at Ibrox and provided more than Nir Bitton when he came on at half time in the recent 1-1 draw.

McGregor isn’t likely to become a fans favourite anytime soon but more punters are appreciating his own contribution and what he brings to the team.

Like Sviatchenko he made an impact coming off the bench last season and deserves a starting role at Hampden where he’ll compliment Brown and provide a real goal threat.

Forrest or Roberts on the right?

After his display at Ross County as a substitute Roberts must be close to a starting place but the greater awareness and discipline of Forrest will win the day. Roberts will almost certainly feature as a substitute.

Both players bring different options to the side. Forrest is all about drive and pace wearing defenders down while Roberts relies on trickery and his dribbling skills to shake off opponents.

Both players are capable of a match winning contribution but since recovering from a hamstring injury early in the season Roberts has almost always been second choice.

Rogic or Armstrong behind Dembele?

This match is probably a fortnight too early to start with Rogic.

Rodgers will weigh up whether it’s worthwhile getting an hour from the Australian or whether he can be put on as a substitute.

Armstrong is a certain starter but is likely to be in a more advanced role with McGregor sitting in alongside Brown.

The former Dundee United man seems to thrive in this fixture, making a contribution in all four this season and will probably be the man that Brother Pedro fears most.

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