Ange Postecoglou reveals Celtic plans vs Real Betis

Celtic are aware of their fate prior to Thursday evening’s clash with Real Betis at Parkhead. The Hoops cannot progress, but at the same time will not need to concern themselves with Ferencvaros’ clash with Bayer Leverkusen in Budapest.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have already sealed the third spot to qualify for the Conference League and attain that elusive European involvement beyond the new year.

However, it seems Postecoglou is keen for his players to be fired up for the visit of the team from Seville, insisting that every game is an opportunity.

As reported by The 42, the Celtic manager said:

"“Every game is an opportunity to do something special, do something that is memorable.”"

Postecoglou will freshen Celtic up against Real Betis

Celtic’s fast and furious fixture run from now until the winter break will no doubt influence Postecoglou’s starting XI at Parkhead on Thursday. Yet, two convincing victories over Hearts and Dundee United have sustained their recent impressive form, and the manager must be extremely keen to maintain this consistency as well.

It seems that the Celtic manager will lean more towards a sizeable change in his line up for Thursday’s encounter, although he did emphasize the need to get minutes into the legs of some players over the necessity of giving a break to certain individuals:

"“It’s not about resting guys. I need to give some game time to players, that’s for sure.”"

The manager continued:

"“As we saw with the last game, whether it’s injuries or being able to rotate, I need players who have game time under their belts.“Thursday is a great opportunity for some of the guys who haven’t played much recently to get 90 minutes in.“We’ve still got eight games between now and the break – including the cup final – so we want everyone up and running.”"

Should Celtic register a win, they would finish their Europa League campaign on an impressive nine points; no mean feat in a group with La Liga and Bundesliga presence.

Current momentum is critical and a Celtic win would surely give them a boost heading into a four-week period which sees them play in a League Cup final and face the Rangers.

One thing’s for sure, the Real Betis fixture may not mean much on paper, but you can guarantee Parkhead will be bouncing come Thursday evening. Postecoglou will want whatever side he announces to be competitive and get another European win. And on current form, they have every chance of doing so.