Pragmatic was the word used by Brendan Rodgers as he discussed his approach to tonight’s Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Craig Gordon touched on factors that had been highlighted after the match as the team reviewed footage of the 2-0 home defeat. Yesterday at Glasgow Airport Chris Davies mentioned a plan.
On the surface, it seems a very tall order to expect Celtic to take anything from tomorrow’s match especially with Gladbach likely to have a few players back to strengthen the XI that impressed in Glasgow.
It’s difficult to see where Rodgers can be more pragmatic with his traditional formation, however, putting Stuart Armstrong into one of the attacking midfielder roles may be one way of curbing the expected Gladbach attacks.
After the excitement of drawing at home with Manchester City, there was a sinking feeling about the 2-0 defeat dealt out by the Germans. Strangely, despite being outplayed for large patches of the match, it took two mistakes from Kolo Toure to hand Gladbach the initiative – and two goals.
As the second half of the Champions League kicks off it presents Rodgers and his coaching team with new challenges.
There is no simple solution for dealing with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, but against Gladbach, it’ll be interesting to see how Celtic cope with opponents who were clearly superior just two weeks ago.
GK – CRAIG GORDON
If the signing of Dorus de Vries was simply to ensure that Gordon upped his game then it has worked a treat.
Since returning to the team at half-time during the match against Kilmarnock the former Sunderland keeper has looked much like the ‘keeper that stepped in effortlessly for Fraser Forster two seasons ago.
With five domestic clean sheets to his name becoming the first Celtic keeper to do the same in the Champions League would be a fantastic achievement.
RB – CRISTIAN GAMBOA
The absences of Jozo Simunovic and Kolo Toure open the door for Gamboa who made his Celtic debut away to Barcelona in the Nou Camp.
With a new-look central defensive partnership gelling together it promises to be a big test for the former West Brom defender.
Like many modern full-backs, he looks more comfortable pushing forward, so Gladbach are certain to ask serious questions of his defensive abilities.
LB – EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
A week ago Izzy could hardly have been further from the first team picture – over the net six weeks he has the prospect of three Champions League ties and a domestic cup final to prepare for.
It looks almost certain that this will be the final season of his seven-year Celtic stint, and impressing in the Champions League is more likely to earn him a good deal elsewhere than World Cup memories.
His attitude and commitment have never been in question, but facing the Gladbach strike force will all be about his ability – no repeats please of that Ajax red card!
CB – MIKAEL LUSTIG
This will be the fourth match in 10 days for the Swede – putting to bed the injury prone tag that has dogged him since undergoing hip surgery.
Last week at Ross County he didn’t look too comfortable in the centre of defence but this evening’s task will be entirely different.
Little will be expected of Lustig as an attacking force but his experience and know-how will be essential if Celtic are to make a fist of things tomorrow.
CB – ERIK SVIATCHENKO
All of a sudden the onus is back on Erik with Kolo Toure and Jozo Simunovic both missing through injury.
Leadership qualities will be required in the din that is Borussia Park giving Sviatchenko the chance to state his credentials.
Gladbach impressed with their strong running and direct style of play at Celtic Park, it’ll be interesting to see how the Bhoys’ defence counter against that threat with 50,000 roaring the hosts to push forward.
CM -SCOTT BROWN
Brown has brought additional attention to himself with news that he is ready to end his three-match international exile to face England next weekend.
With Simunovic and Toure missing from defence more responsibility than usual will fall on the skipper, going by his form this season that won’t unduly trouble the Fifer.
Brown has experienced all of the dramas that the Champions League has to offer – it would be great to have other team-mates who know the unique thrill of putting a win on the board away from home.
CM – NIR BITTON
His place is coming under threat week by week from Stuart Armstrong but there’s something about his style that appeals to Rodgers’ way of thinking. Many Celtic fans take a differing view with Bitton’s un-rushed style a major cause of concern.
With his international experience, there shouldn’t be too many surprises in the Gladbach side but a commanding performance would be welcome – and perhaps overdue. Bitton knows the expectations and how to manage them.
RM – SCOTT SINCLAIR
Sinclair could be switched over to the right flank, as he did often with James Forrest during the Betfred Cup semi-final against Sevco.
Needs must for this match with two wingers too much of a risk. Sinclair will be required to back up Gamboa and also to track inside but has demonstrated so far in his Celtic career the ability to graft and sacrifice for the team.
Always a goal threat he’ll still be expected to get close to Dembele when it matters.
CAM – TOM ROGIC
Saturday’s win at Aberdeen summed Rogic up neatly. Scoring a fantastic instinctive goal he then should have done better with three chances early in the second half.
Brendan Rodgers will take the glass half full viewpoint that it was good to see the midfielder in those positions. It’s unlikely that chances will be as easy against Gladbach if he gets a chance he has to bury it this time around but as he showed at Pittodrie anything is possible around the goal.
LM – STUART ARMSTRONG
After convincing Brendan Rodgers of his merit as a centre midfielder Armstrong has to take one for the team on Tuesday night.
Being moved back onto the left should be a completely different scenario from the darkest days of the Deila regime.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Since he scored twice against Manchester City Dembele has become public property with the expectations that follow.
Like the rest of his team-mates, the home match against Gladbach was one to forget, but also to learn from. He is at Celtic for this competition and will be ready for the extra attention his scoring record has created.
The former Fulham striker has great game intelligence, so if he can use that to bring his team-mates into action the hoops could be in for some rare joy on foreign fields.
