Celtic face Raith Rovers in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup tomorrow. It is always important that matches aren’t declared won in the players’ minds before a ball has been kicked – and the last thing we need is any extra-time getting played at the moment. However, I think it is essential that a number of players are given the weekend off.
The Hoops have a hectic schedule ahead, the visit of Bodo Glimt awaiting on Thursday before a return to league action next Sunday. Thereafter, Postecoglou’s team travel to Norway just days before a trip to Easter Road. With that in mind, and the crucial nature of the matches, it would be wise to give some of the key Bhoys a rest against Raith.
Callum McGregor picked up a fractured cheekbone in a similar fixture against Alloa in the previous round. Reo Hatate looked tired at Pittodrie in midweek and Ralston is the only out and out right back available for selection. It is also worth noting that Tom Rogic rarely starts two or three games in a week so keeping him fresh for tougher games is important.
Considering the above, my suggested line up would be:
Bain
Welsh Starfelt Jullien Scales
Bitton McCarthy
Ideguchi
Doak Maeda Forrest
In my opinion that team has adequate quality, with plenty of talent available to be called upon from the bench. I selected Maeda with a view to Giakoumakis starting for the European game next Thursday, while Starfelt could always be replaced by a central midfielder in the second half with Nir Bitton dropping into the back line.
Regardless of my thoughts, Ange Postecoglou knows his team better than any of us and is a superior manager to someone like me who has never taken charge of a team beyond Football Manager on the Xbox. Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile for fans to exercise their minds on team selection to get us through this last day before the Celtic are back!