Celtic vs. Inverness: Confirmed lineups and analysis
Celtic return to domestic competition, looking to put mid-week results behind them and continue the incredible form it has had in the Scottish Premiership. Standing in the way today is Inverness, a team second to the bottom in the league.
How did Brendan Rodgers choose to manage his squad today? Let’s take a look at the lineup.
???? Celtic starting XI to face Inverness CT. #SPFL (MN) pic.twitter.com/a9RncGoTFt
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) September 18, 2016
Analysis:
Clearly Rodgers sees this game as a perfect time to get some of his biggest players some much needed rest and to also allow those on a few knocks to sit this one out. There’s no Griffiths anywhere near the squad, nor is Kolo Toure in the starting XI or on the bench even.
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It appears that late signing Cristian Gamboa will get his first run-out with the squad in SPFL action, a move that we predicted earlier this week.
What will be most interesting is to see the pairing of Mikael Lustig and Erik Sviatchenko in the middle of defense for the Hoops. The two have played well, but haven’t been paired in the center of defense together. It also is interesting with other options available like Eoghan O’Connell (who didn’t make the 18-man squad) and Jozo Simunovic (who did make the bench).
Rodgers will also give young Callum McGregor his second run-out in SPFL play this season, likely seeing him play a role next to captain Scott Brown.
Given the need for squad rotation due to the increase in fixtures coming up for the Scottish champions and the relative lack of competition from Inverness, it isn’t surprising to see Rodgers go with a lineup of established and squad players for this match.
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