Fresh Celtic should have advantage over excuse maker

Alistair Johnston sounded bullish about his chances of recovering from Tuesday’s hip injury in time for the League Cup Final.  That aside, Brendan Rodgers has a full squad to choose from.

The only potential change from the starting 11 in Zagreb would be Arne Engels for Paulo Bernardo.  Paulo was a big player against Newco last season, including at Hampden, so you have to fancy he will get the nod.

We know what to expect from Newco.  They will get the ball forward early and push wide.  Celtic usually win these games because with Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor on the left, with (now) Nicolas Kuhn and Alistair Johnston on the right, we have the speed and talent to cover and breakdown their attacks.

Reo Hatate is key to the middle of the park.  He has the strength to hold off his man, turn and draw in another.  That opens space in front of the ball for Celtic to create a chance.  He is a player at the peak of his talent; Sunday is an occasion made for him.  Expect a rebound from Tuesday.

The last time we lost to Newco at Hampden was the 2022 Scottish Cup semifinal, Celtic had a week to prepare and Newco had played a Europa Cup quarterfinal three days earlier.  We assumed Celtic would be fresher but they inexplicably wilted as the game wore on and lost in extra-time.

That was then.  Now, we have had an extra two days’ rest and should be far fresher than the opposition on Sunday.  With Forrest, Idah, Engels (or Bernardo), McCowan and Valle all capable of bringing fresh momentum, we have a significantly stronger bench and should be able to kick on from the 70 minute mark.

Newco will be buoyed by their performance against Tottenham last night.  Their press stopped Spurs’ ability to build a cohesive attack.  They will inevitably deploy the same strategy at Hampden.  Tottenham were a bit like Celtic on Tuesday; bereft of patience in the middle of the park, while trying to create openings with low percentage passing.

I believe Celtic are a better side than Tottenham, we will see on Sunday.  And, oh Ange!  What have you put your name to?  That performance had Bodo/Glimt written all over it.

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