Significant Celtic squad rotation a risk worth taking against Raith Rovers

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The Celtic Star

·8 February 2025

Significant Celtic squad rotation a risk worth taking against Raith Rovers

Brendan Rodgers will rest a big chunk of his team as it’s what’s required, he still has enough to win this cup-tie, so no excuses…

Jota embraces Brendan Rodgers, following substitution during the match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on February 05, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

This evening sees Celtic take on Championship side Raith Rovers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park, with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs as the Bhoys aim to keep our treble dreams alive.

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One eye on Bayern Munich

With all due respect to the Kirkcaldy side, we will most certainly have one eye on Wednesday’s vital Champions League play off clash with Bayern Munich under the lights at Celtic Park.

Players of FC Bayern München pose for a picture prior to the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and SK Slovan Bratislava at Football Arena Munich on January 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

That’s quite understandable as we’re faced with the formidable task of taking on the German giants requiring a victory if we are to have any hope of making it through to the last 16 of Europe’s elite.

To achieve that we will need our strongest side available, so I’d imagine a few familiar faces will be given a leave of absence this tea-time to protect their fitness ahead of what is undoubtedly our toughest test of the season.

Falkirk gave Celtic a little scare

We had a slight scare against Championship side Falkirk back in September in the League Cup after starting with an under strength side. Circumstances however were different then, and Raith who are currently seventh in the second tier of Scottish football shouldn’t pose a threat, even if we do start with a so called weakened side.

Ross Maclver of Falkirk celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on September 22, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

So we shouldn’t be surprised to see the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Alistair Johnston, Greg Taylor, CCV, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Nicolas Kuhn, and Adam Idah all rested to focus on the might of Bayern.

That’s not being disrespectful to Barry Robson’s side – far from it – as the players who start this evening should have more than enough to take care of Raith Rovers over the course of the 90 minutes.

Kasper Schmeichel won’t play today

It’s already been confirmed that Viljami Sinisalo will start between the sticks as he deputises for Kasper Schmeichel who has a minor back injury.

We should also expect the likes of Tony Ralston, Liam Scales and even possibly Dane Murray to start. New bhoy Jeffery Schlupp could also get make his full debut, with the likes of Paulo Bernardo, Luke McCowan, and Yang named in the starting XI.

Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Celtic Park, 5 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace, Shutterstock

We should be strong in an attacking sense with Daizen Maeda guaranteed a start as he’s unfortunately unavailable on Wednesday through suspension, while Jota will likely start to give him more much needed match fitness.

Johnny Kenny of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Celtic Park, 05 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Johnny Kenny could also get a rare start to protect Adam Idah who will undoubtedly be our main striker against Bayern. Yes we will be under strength, but it’s what’s required, and we should still have more than enough to retain our interest in another Scottish Cup triumph and with it yet another treble. No excuses.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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