Brendan Rodgers has made sweeping changes to his Celtic starting XI for tonight’s SPFL clash with Aberdeen, naming a side that looks entirely different from the one expected to start the Scottish Cup final later this month. With just two league games remaining, the Celtic boss has opted to rest the bulk of his first-team regulars ahead of the Hampden showdown.
Callum McGregor is the only nailed-on starter from the expected cup final XI who takes to the pitch at Pittodrie. The captain’s inclusion provides a touch of experience and leadership in what is otherwise a youthful and fringe-heavy line-up.
The backline sees Viljami Sinisalo handed a rare start in goal, with a defence made up of Tony Ralston, Maik Nawrocki, Auston Trusty, and Jeffrey Schlupp, who has featured sporadically since joining the club. All four are well down the pecking order and unlikely to be involved from the off at Hampden.
In midfield, McGregor is joined by Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo, the latter returning to the line-up after a spell out of the starting XI. It’s a mix of youth and players on the fringes trying to stake a late claim for involvement in the final squad.
Up front, Rodgers has opted for experience in James Forrest on one flank, with Yang Hyun-jun on the other. Johnny Kenny leads the line through the middle, having spent much of the season developing out of the spotlight.
This selection is a clear signal from Rodgers with the league wrapped up weeks ago, and his full focus is on lifting silverware at the end of the month. However, he’ll still be expecting a performance tonight from a side filled with players who’ll be keen to prove they belong in the picture moving forward.
With the Dons also being Celtic’s opponents in the cup final, tonight’s match could have easily been treated as a dry run. Instead, Rodgers has ensured there will be little read-through to that Hampden clash – for both sides.
