A change of shape could be on the cards…

After a disappointing result and performance against Motherwell at the weekend, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a reaction as his side play in Rome this evening in the penultimate group stage match of this Champions League campaign.

Such a performance is hardly ideal preparation to face a team of the calibre and quality of Lazio, nonetheless Rodgers and his team will strive for a victory which will keep them in the hunt for European football after Christmas.

Celtic’s attacking options out wide have been severely depleted with the suspensions to Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda (who is injured regardless), so a change of shape could be on the cards given the lack of options on the wings currently.

James Forrest and Mikey Johnston are possibilities for Rodgers, but possibilities nonetheless that should not be relied upon to make a difference at Champions League level.

Oh Hyeon-Gyu has been excellent whenever he has seen minutes this season and has been Celtic’s most threatening attacking substitution in recent games. As such he is deserving to be accommodated into the team, with his strength and physicality acting as attributes that could prove useful against the Rome giants.

A change of shape would be required to fit the South Korean international into the starting eleven, with a 4-4-2 offering as the best accommodation.

Yang on the right wing as a quick direct outlet, with McGregor and O’Riley in midfield and Bernardo operating as defensive cover for the physically poor Taylor on the left side of the pitch would provide balance to a side missing important chinks in its armour.

Kyogo and Oh as a potential strike partnership on paper makes sense, albeit in practice it may be a different story. Regardless of the tactical approach Rodgers takes, his side will look to right the wrongs of Saturday and keep the dream of European football after Christmas alive.

COYBIG

James French