In the last few weeks, Ange Postecoglou’s side appeared to be growing more familiar alongside one another, and that was clear to see, especially in the back four.
The centre-back duo of Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter Vickers were beginning to strike up a good relationship at the back, which gave the Hoops the foundations and confidence that we might have struggled to find at times in the early days under Ange.
However, ahead of tonight’s game against Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, Ange now has a decision on the defensive front after the injury to Carl Starfelt at the weekend.
The Swedish defender was forced off due to a hamstring injury that will keep him out of the Hoops next two fixtures, making a return after the international break.
So, Ange will now need to make a change within the back four and decide who to start in his place alongside Carter Vickers for what is a crucial game for our European campaign.
His choices are likely to come down to either Stephen Welsh or Nir Bitton.
Welsh started the season quite strongly under Ange before the arrival of the American internationalist, and tonight could present a chance for him to show his worth again by putting in a solid defensive performance.
Of course, Celtic fans are now more than familiar with the sight of Bitton at centre-back, although many aren’t likely to be comfortable with that after previous displays.
For me, Welsh would undoubtedly be the option I would be turning to if I was Ange, given his natural ability in the position.
It is indeed a big call that Ange Postecoglou will have to make for tonight’s game. We will just have to wait and see who he goes with in the starting 11 when it is released at around 6:45 PM.
