Rotation an unnecessary risk Rodgers doesn’t need to take

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·10 novembre 2024

Rotation an unnecessary risk Rodgers doesn’t need to take

Rotation may be an unnecessary risk for Rodgers at Rugby Park this afternoon which is why he should go full strength…

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers talks with Callum McGregor of Celtic during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Brendan’s toughest opponent

Over his two spells with Celtic, the Irishman has found travelling to Ayrshire a challenging task. Rodgers has lost at Rugby Park on four occasions as boss with the Hoops which included two defeats against Derek McInnes’ side last season.

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It is Kilmarnock who are the domestic team in Scotland that have had the most joy over Celtic’s manager during his trophy-laden time in the dugout with the Scottish champions. Whether it is the advantage of the plastic pitch, or the dogged ‘get football banned’ type tactics under Steve Clarke (that got him the Scotland job!) or McInnes, Rodgers has too often been disappointed leaving Rugby Park.

Brendan’s last visit was something else entirely

However, Celtic’s most recent visit facing Killie at their home was one to remember. A 5-0 thumping secured three in a row status in May as the Hoops produced a stunning display as Rodgers’ men clinched an historic 54th league championship. More of the same this afternoon Bhoys.

Brendan Rodgers at Rugby Park as Celtic wrap up the title. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Selecting his strongest starting XI

Rotation versus Motherwell a fortnight ago following a defensive masterclass in Bergamo against Atalanta made sense. Today’s test will be a third game in eight days but is one where Rodgers should wheel out his strongest starting XI.

With the international break looming, starting majority of the same players that competed and convincingly defeated Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig in a generational performance on Tuesday evening in the Champions League would make sense.

Auston Trusty heads the ball away from Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. Celtic v RB Leipzig, UEFA Champions League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 5 November 2024 Phot Stuart Wallace Shutterstock (Imago – The Celtic Star)

Enforced changes may be required

Enforced changes such as Cameron Carter-Vickers or Auston Trusty may be required, but rotation from the off would be a bold move from Brendan. Of course, he trusts the squad and utilising it in the Scottish Premiership should not be an issue. But, the momentum and confidence is flowing. There is no reason to disrupt that, especially at Rodgers’ historically hardest away venue.

Meanwhile, Celtic head into the outing with Killie three points behind league leaders Aberdeen. Jimmy Thelin’s Dons responded positively after suffering his first loss since arriving at Pittodrie from the Celts at Hampden Park in the Scottish League Cup semi-final last weekend.

Topi Keskinen of Aberdeen celebrates with team mates after scoring to give Aberdeen a 2-0 lead. Aberdeen v Dundee, Scottish Premiership – 09 November 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Heading into a two week break at the top of the table, into a domestic final, and being only three points off reaching the knockout play-offs of the Champions League will have ticked every box for Celtic during a whirlwind period.

Kick off at Rugby Park is 3:00pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports Football. For Hoops supporters outside Britain and Ireland, Celtic TV will display full coverage of the match.

Conor Spence