Brendan Rodgers faces a selection dilemma as he considers rotating his Celtic squad for the clash with Motherwell at Fir Park. The Hoops enter the match after a morale-boosting 0-0 draw with Atalanta in Bergamo, a result that helped restore some pride to their Champions League campaign following a heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund earlier this month. With Aberdeen’s narrow victory over Dundee United temporarily displacing Celtic from the top of the Premiership, Rodgers’ side will be eager to reclaim their place at the summit with a win against Stuart Kettlewell’s Motherwell.
Rodgers has been given a lift with the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor to training, but it’s uncertain if they will start. The defensive options, particularly Carter-Vickers’ availability, create a selection challenge for Rodgers. Liam Scales has been a consistent presence alongside the American defender, but the summer signing of Auston Trusty for £5 million provides another strong option in the backline.
One player hoping to benefit from potential squad rotation is Luke McCowan, the former Dundee captain. McCowan, who joined Celtic this summer, is yet to start a game for the champions but could replace either Arne Engels or Reo Hatate, offering fresh legs after the midweek action. Additionally, Adam Idah might get the nod to start, possibly giving Kyogo Furuhashi a rest after his tireless efforts leading the line in Italy.
With these decisions on the horizon, Rodgers has a wealth of options as he aims to balance the demands of domestic and European competition. The match against Motherwell offers an opportunity for Celtic to regain top spot in the league, while also allowing the manager to utilize the depth and versatility of his squad.
Predicted Celtic XI
Provisional Celtic squad
Goalkeepers
Kasper Schmeichel
Scott Bain
Defenders
Alistair Johnston
Anthony Ralston
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Liam Scales
Auston Trusty
Maik Nawrocki
Stephen Welsh
Greg Taylor
Alex Valle
Midfielders
Paulo Bernardo
Arne Engels
Reo Hatate
Odin Thiago Holm
Callum McGregor
Luke McCowan
Luis Palma
Yang Hyun-Jun
James Forrest
Nicolas Kuhn
Forwards
Kyogo Furuhashi
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