da imperador bet： Celtic’s performance against Rangers was lacklustre to say the least. Outplayed for large spells of the 90 minutes and never really looking convincing in their desire to win the match, the point won by the away team was well earned.
da mrbet： In the context of their season that result matters little to the Hoops but the starting XI could do with a refresh ahead of some massive fixtures.
A key aim between now and the end of the season is finishing it unbeaten in domestic football. It would be an incredibly historic achievement if they could do it, and with just 10 games left in the Scottish Premiership it’s in sight.
First on the schedule is a trip to Dundee on Sunday, a venue that provides tough tests to visitors.
These are the FOUR Celtic stars Brendan Rodgers must take out of the team from the Rangers game to get a result…
Nir Bitton
Nir Bitton was hauled off at half-time in the match against Rangers, ostensibly due to a fitness issue, but his performance was pretty poor in the first 45 minutes and we would be far from surprised in the switch made by Brendan Rodgers was tactical.
Bitton has blown hot and cold at the club this season, at times looking like the calming force needed to keep the Hoops ticking and at other times looking weak, ineffectual and not up for the physical battle needed to impose yourself on the game in Scotland.
That physical battle is likely to be a big part of the match-up against Dundee this coming weekend and the Hoops must match them in it. Bringing in the likes of Liam Henderson or Callum McGregor could add a bit of zip, determination and hunger to the middle of the park and allow the Hoops’ more creative players to reach their potential.
Failing that, simply dropping Stuart Armstrong in alongside Brown and having someone play behind Moussa Dembele in attacking midfield could be the answer.
James Forrest
The continued insistence on benching Patrick Roberts at the expense of James Forrest and Gary Mackay-Steven is becoming an increasing issue with the Celtic support.
Roberts hasn’t started a match for six weeks, the last time being away to St Johnstone in Perth at the start of February, with the match resulting in a 5-2 win.
After an ineffectual performance against Rangers, James Forrest could probably do with a reminder his place in the team is not a formality and dropping him to the bench would do that effectively.
Roberts couldn’t impact on the game when he came on as substitute against the Gers but it’s much harder to change a game than it is to build into it from the start.
He was a sensation in the cup game against St Mirren and would surely be a bright spark against the Dees this weekend.
Erik Sviatchenko
Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko had a torrid time against Rangers at the weekend, the second game in a row against the Hoops’ city rivals that he’s failed to deal adequately with their attackers. Looking generally weak across the 90 minutes, it left many Celtic supporters wondering why Rodgers didn’t opt to star Jozo Simunovic instead.
The big Croatian has looked like the Hoops’ classiest option at the back this season for our money and should get the chance to show what he can do again this coming Sunday alongside Dedryck Boyata.
Simunovic hasn’t played since the middle of February and would add a bit of steel to the backline against what will be a very motivated Dundee side.
Mikael Lustig
Mikael Lustig was far from the worst against Rangers but still didn’t offer much on the right flank, either to counter Rangers or in Celtic’s own efforts to press the game and create chances of their own.
Re-introducing Cristian Gamboa, who has impressed in recent appearances, could be the ticket they need to unlock a dogged Dundee defensive line. Gamboa offers pace and a directness that Lustig lacks.
The Hoops need to bring the game to the home side and knock in a few goals, Dundee have the chops at Dens to grab a goal themselves.
Laying all their offensive cards on the table is the name of the Celtic game.