Celtic now prepare for Sunday’s clash at Ibrox. There are key points of discussion around team selection after their first-ever win on German soil.
Victory over Stuttgart will have given the Celtic players a much-needed confidence boost as attention now turns fully to domestic duty. Martin O’Neill made eight changes from last weekend’s defeat to Hibs, and a few of them have made a real claim to be in with a shout at starting this weekend.
So who is in with a shout after their efforts in Germany?
Viljami Sinisalo
A lot of talk was made on the run-up to Stuttgart regarding the goalkeeping situation. Sinisalo made his first career appearance in UEFA club competition and held his own, making important saves that helped secure Celtic’s first win on German soil.
It would seem harsh to drop him after such a solid performance. Yes, Schmeichel has much more experience, but that doesn’t take priority over current form for such a high-pressure match.
Sinisalo is fit and he’s ready. Surely this is a no-brainer?
Luke McCowan
The Hoops’ goalscorer on the night after 28 seconds. It was some neat play to score. McGregor, Yang and Adamu linking up well to tee McCowan up for a composed finish.
A lot of Celtic’s best play came down the right flank, with McCowan involved frequently before being substituted off after 68 minutes.
He brings an energy to the team that will be needed from the off on Sunday. The questions are: who drops out to make way? Does he start behind the striker, off the right?
Marcelo Saracchi
The Uruguayan worked tirelessly throughout, making a key block out for a corner in the second half to keep Stuttgart at bay. He also brings a bit of a dig, some may say that South American grit, that the Hoops could do with in this fixture.
Kieran Tierney remains the first choice. His quality is known, and he knows this fixture. O’Neill may decide on starting him, with the option of bringing Saracchi on later in the game.
Dane Murray
With Auston Trusty suspended, this one seems highly likely. Murray was brought into the lineup for the first time since the 2-0 home win over Falkirk on 1st February, and he looked comfortable.
Many supporters still remember him from that defeat at Tynecastle back in October, Brendan Rodgers’ last game in charge, but the defender looks a lot more assured now.
Martin O’Neill will likely opt for Murray over Benjamin Arthur, who has only made a 20-minute cameo appearance from the bench.
Final Notes
A potential outsider is Junior Adamu. The striker started in the win in Germany, assisting McCowan for the goal. He was involved in some good link-up play, but struggled to open up Stuttgart’s physical backline.
O’Neill may call on Tomas Cvancara to lead the line, given his stature and ability to make life awkward for defenders.
There’s plenty of food for thought. This rivalry is always tense from minute one. These players have no choice but to go in with their heads held high and put in a performance worthy of title winners.
Debate has risen over the importance of this clash. If Celtic lose, are they out of the title race? Can they afford to draw?
No one goes into these games accepting defeat. That just doesn’t happen.
Judging by how this season has gone, there are more twists and turns to come between now and the end of the season; the post-split fixtures will prove pivotal.
Keep Reading
