Celtic vs. Aberdeen: Starting XI’s and anaylsis
First versus second in the Scottish Premiership — normally this would be a mouth-watering affair. But, nothing about this 2016-17 season is normal in Scotland.
Celtic have long clinched the SPFL title and they own a 27-point lead over their hosts tonight, Aberdeen. The Dons come in knowing their second place finish is secured as well, owning an 11-point advantage over Sevco.
Given the fact that these two teams will face-off in the Scottish Cup final just 15 days away, there could be some gamesmanship between the two sides. Or will there be?
After all, Celtic are still chasing a record for points in a season and a win today would guarantee a 100-point season for sure. There’s also an undefeated season on the hook and every last player wants that mark badly.
Let’s see how the managers decided to put their team sheets together.
Celtic Starting XI:
Aberdeen Starting XI:
Analysis:
One look at the Celtic lineup and the message from Rodgers is clear here — Celtic are going with the game plan of squad rotation. With captain Scott Brown out of the lineup in his final of a two-game suspension there is also a new captain in the mix, as Mikael Lustig takes the armband in his return to the side.
Celtic haven’t brought any of the youth players back in to the squad, but that is to be expected in his type of a road trip. Instead, the back line features the four regular starters in front of entrenched keeper Craig Gordon.
Callum McGregor and Stuart Armstrong will man the middle of the pitch, while Tom Rogic gets back in to the Starting XI.
This squad is about as strong as possible given the suspensions and injuries that are around the Celtic side.
It should also be noted that Rodgers appears to be setting up his bench for defensive cover, as he doesn’t feature a single attacking option outside of James Forrest off the bench. Instead, there are defensive-minded midfielders in Eboue Kouassi and Nir Bitton in the mix.
Defensively, Eric Sviatchenko and Kolo Toure are featured along with Cristian Gamboa.
The hosts trot out a very solid squad, one that is likely to be keen on defending. We’re pretty sure there are at least six defensive-minded (a.k.a. actual defenders) on the pitch. It should be a very interesting tactical matchup ahead for the Bhoys.