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Celtic vs. Albion Rovers: Starting XI’s and Analysis

By Andrew Coppens

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - APRIL 9 : Dedryck Boyata of Celtic celebrates at the final whistle as Celtic beat Motherwell 2-1 to move 8 points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership, during the match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Fir Park on April 9, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - APRIL 9 : Dedryck Boyata of Celtic celebrates at the final whistle as Celtic beat Motherwell 2-1 to move 8 points clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership, during the match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Fir Park on April 9, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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The long wait is over, as Celtic return to the pitch for action in Scotland once again. It will be a new beginning though, as the Bhoys take to the pitch for Scottish Cup action against League One side Albion Rovers.

Given the break and the level of opponent, how will manager Brendan Rodgers see fit to line up against this side? Will it be full-strength or a mix of regulars and squad players? Let’s take a look at the official lineups.

Celtic Starting XI: 

Albion Rovers Starting XI:

(not yet released)

Analysis: 

It is clear that Brendan Rodgers wants to see some of the fringe players in his squad at least one more time. For players like Nir Bitton and Dedryck Boyata it could be their last chance to impress the manager or potential suitors as the January transfer window closes.

Speaking of Boyata, it will be interesting to see the pairing of him and Mikael Lustig, who comes inside to replace Eric Sviatchenko in the Starting XI at center back. Sviatchenko has been given this match off completely thanks to a suspension.

Rodgers also appears set to do exactly what we thought earlier this week — give Jozo Simunovic a bit more time to rest and continue to be cautious with what has been a successful return from a knee injury suffered just last season.

Perhaps the best bit of news is the return of Kieran Tierney to the Starting XI for the Hoops. He was out longer than most expected due to a ligament issue in his ankle, but appeared poised to make some sort of return in this match. It appears he’ll get a full run out, with Emilio Izagurrie flipping back to the bench for this matchup.

There also won’t be any Leigh Griffiths, who we thought might get the nod given the set of fixtures in front of Celtic over the next week. Alas it will be Moussa Dembele up top with Ryan Christie providing the cover off the bench as Griffiths appears to have picked up a knock over break.

Next: Rodgers Warning Clubs of Pair of Celtic Players

Overall, this is a quality side given the level of the opponent, and it is clear that Rodgers is also looking for specific players to show they belong at the club long-term. Big afternoons from Boyata, Bitton and Gamboa could see them have bigger roles to play throughout the second half of the SPFL season as well.

We’ll be keeping a keen eye on their performances.

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