With Celtic’s Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich looming large on Tuesday night, Brendan Rodgers may have given a major hint about his team selection by playing Adam Idah for virtually the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Dundee United.
In a match where several key first-team players were rested or benched, Idah’s extended run-out raises questions about whether he will start in Munich.
Typically, if a player is expected to play a major role in a high-intensity European game just days later, they are managed carefully in domestic fixtures. The fact that Idah wasn’t withdrawn earlier could suggest that Rodgers has other plans for his forward line against Bayern.
What This Could Mean for the Bayern Selection
In the first leg at Celtic Park, Idah led the line from the start, with Daizen Maeda playing wide left. However, Celtic struggled to gain a foothold in the game early on, and it was only after tactical tweaks in the final 25 minutes—including Maeda shifting centrally—that the Hoops caused Bayern real problems.
Rodgers could now be leaning towards a more mobile frontline in the Allianz Arena, with Maeda through the middle instead of Idah, allowing for a more dynamic pressing game. The Japanese forward’s relentless energy made a noticeable difference in the closing stages of the first leg, helping force Bayern back and setting up a frantic finish.
Celtic’s Approach in Munich
Celtic travel to Germany trailing 2-1, but the tie is still in the balance. Rodgers will know his side can’t afford another slow start, and with Bayern expected to dominate possession, the Hoops will need an attacking setup that allows them to press aggressively and hit on the counter.
While Idah offers physicality and a focal point, Maeda’s pace and relentless work rate could be better suited to unsettling Bayern’s backline. That could explain why the Irish striker was given such heavy minutes against Dundee United, while Maeda was rested.
Reading Between the Lines
The decision to keep Idah on the pitch for nearly the full game—while protecting others—certainly raises doubts about whether he will start against Bayern.
If Celtic are to have any realistic chance of pulling off an upset, Rodgers will need to get his game plan spot on. And if Idah’s workload on Saturday is anything to go by, he may be set for a role off the bench rather than from the start.
