It is not regular to think that a side who lost 7-1in Europe in midweek is playing a domestic cup final that very same weekend. However, Celtic’s domestic performances have been very contrasting to their European form this season. While in the Scottish Premier League they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure has seen them struggle in front of the European powerhouses.
In the other domestic cup, they are now in the final and will face Motherwell for the trophy.
Celtic have won ten and drawn three in the league and remain unbeaten. However, as one might recall, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain and were again reminded of the difference in class between the two sides in their last outing when they were thrashed 7-1.
The French outfit unleashed the likes of Neymar and Mbappe on the Scottish champions and Celtic were handed a 5-0 thrashing on their opening Champions League night and a repeat on a higher scale took place this time out. They will, however, still look to clinch the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Rodgers seems to have conceded the top two spots in the Champions League group table and instead wants to shift his focus to retaining the Scottish League title and winning the domestic Scottish League Cup. In the match against Paris Saint Germain in the return leg, it was clear that Rodgers was not exactly hoping for a win and rather wanted to rest his star players like Scott Sinclair and Stuart Armstrong for the important final against Motherwell.
With Patrick Roberts back in the squad, here is how they will look to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Defence
Craig Gordon is likely to feature in goal for the Hoops again in a match where they will be hoping to clinch the trophy to restore some much-needed confidence. The defensive four for Celtic is likely to be Kieran Tierney at left back with Dedryck Boyata most likely to play at right back. Jozo Simunovic is likely to be partnered at centre back by Nir Bitton with the Israeli defensive midfielder playing as a makeshift centre back. Mikael Lustig limping out in the Paris match makes him uncertain for the weekend clash.
Midfield
The two-man midfield axis is likely to be made of Callum McGregor alongside Celtic’s star midfielder Scott Brown with Olivier Ntcham sitting on the bench. The three players in front of them will probably be Scott Sinclair on the left wing, Tom Rogic returning at the centre and Patrick Roberts likely to operate on the right flank after making the bench against Paris.
Attack
Moussa Dembele is expected to lead the line for Celtic.
