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Celtic XI to face Aberdeen

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With a little breathing space in the calendar Brendan Rodgers can prepare his side for Wednesday’s clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

An eight day period that covers Bayern Munich, Hibs and Aberdeen will test the hoops in three different competitions with the Irishman having to dig deep into his squad.

Around the hour mark at Hampden he called in James Forrest and Moussa Dembele with both players likely to start at Pittodrie.

In midfield Rodgers is spoiled for choice with his main concerns further back. Nir Bitton delighted his boss at Hampden on Saturday and could be in for an extended run in central defence.

Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko are still on the injured list giving Bitton the chance to form a partnership with Dedryck Boyata ahead of the Champions League return match with Bayern Munich.

With Aberdeen level on points with the hoops the incentive is obvious for Derek McInnes and his side but reality kicks in when he names his side without Ryan Christie.

The loan Celt has become a key player for the Dons but it’s businerss time on Wednesday night with three points for the visitors far more important than developing a player who could be a vital part of Rodgers’ Champions League plans in 12 months time.

CRAIG GORDON

There wasn’t much that he could have done about the Hibs goals at Hampden but he’ll be keen to notch a clean sheet at Pittodrie.

With the centre of defence changing on an almost weekly basis it is essential that Gordon raises his game and dominates te back line.

This game could see him busier than usual but he showed last week against Bayern that he is on top of his form.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

The goal scoring full-back is certainly playing in his own zone.

Nothing seems to faze the Swede whose position is apparently under threat from Cristian Gamboa and Tony Ralston.

He knows the drill, what the locals are like, a lot of water has flown under the bridge since he made his debut at Pittodrie five years ago.

NIR BITTON

Needs to get a run in the side alongside Dedryck Boyata with no sign of Jozo Simunovic putting together a run of games.

Aberdeen will present a physical threat in attack but with Bitton taking the ball out of defence the home side should have limited possession.

It won’t compare to a Champions League tie but this fixture is as tough as it gets domestically and is the type of test that Bitton needs.

DEDRYCK BOYATA

Is starting to put together the sort of run of games that he needs to get towards his best.

The former Manchester City defender has still to convince most Celtic fans of his worth but has the unflinching backing of the fan that matters most- Brendan Rodgers.

He’ll get roughened up a bit at Pittodrie but that won’t do him any harm, don’t rule him out finding the net from a Griffiths corner.

KIERAN TIERNEY

Despite 90 minutes against Bayern and against Hibs KT was still going strong at the final whistle at Hampden.

The more games he gets the more he develops with nothing intimidating or fazing him.

Aberdeen will be another decent test but after facing Arjen Robben last week nothing domestically is going to knock him out of his stride.

SCOTT BROWN

The first name on the team sheet, there was no love lost against his old club at Hampden with the midfielder thriving in the challenge.

They don’t like him much at Aberdeen but that will only add something extra to his determinarion to succeed.

He’ll be driving his team-mates on from the first whistle and won’t let up till he is back in the dressing room after 9.30 discussing his performance.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Took a power of criticism for his performance away to Bayern Munich but that won’t alter Brendan Rodgers’ faith in the French u-21 internationalist.

It has been hot and cold from Ntcham since he arrived but without doubt he has the ability to develop into a very effective midfielder capable of making an impact on the Champions League.

Winter nights in the north east are never the easiest but he proved away to Astana that he has the game to adapt to the occasion.

JAMES FORREST

Has sat out the last two matches but should get the nod over Patrick Roberts for this match.

Has shown repeatedly this season that he has the game to make an impact, his presence can ensure that Roberts remains fresh and close to his A game.

Aberdeen are weak in the full back areas, Forrest and Sinclair can stretch the home defence and create openings for others to exploit.

TOM ROGIC

Inbetween gruelling international commitments Rogic has been used very sparingly over the last few games.

He scored the only goal of the game in this fixture last season then clinched the Scottish Cup with another memorable strike at Hampden.

Aberdeen don’t like facing our Socceroo who’ll be keen to justify and retain his place in the side.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Like a few others he hasn’t been at his best over the last two games but is always a match-winner.

The England talk has died down but there are plenty of opportunities for domestic success coming up as the clocks prepare to switch back.

Aberdeen will have more of a go at Celtic than most Scottish clubs which should give the former Villa man plenty of space to punish Derek McInnes’ side.

MOUSSA DEMBELE

He marked his real return to action with a double at Hampden and will want to kick on from that after a frustrating start to the season.

Those goals were his first in six months, between now and Christimas he’ll be looking to take his total into double figures.

Aberdeen have a new look central defensive partnership but they won’t have faced anything like the challenge that the 21-year-old Frenchman can offer.

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