Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg Training And Press Conference at…Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Three bold calls Brendan Rodgers could make for Celtic vs Bayern Munich Champions League tie
Brendan Rodgers has big calls to make for Celtic tomorrow evening.
The manager’s Champions League squad is brimming with talent after three changes were made including one to bring in Jota who re-signed for the club in the January transfer window.
Bayern Munich will offer a stern test but with 11 goals scored in their most recent two fixtures, Rodgers is sure to be confident that his Celts can upset their Euro heavyweight opponents in front of a packed out crowd.
Former striker Alan McInally has told Celtic they can “go at” their foes who have shown some vulnerability this term in the League Phase.
But it will all come down to who wants it more on the night with the Hoops hoping their 12th man can offer the support they need to get the job done in the first-leg.
Rodgers could potentially leave Vincent Kompany guessing on his starting XI right up until an hour or so before kick-off when the announcement is made, and that would give the Irishman the opportunity to spring a surprise or two.
And 67 Hail Hail had a look at three bold calls Rodgers could make during what should be a “special” night in Glasgow.
READ MORE: Paul Scholes says Brendan Rodgers has changed something with Celtic in the Champions League
Greg Taylor of Celtic reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off first leg Training Session at Lennoxtown Training Ce…
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Schlupp over Greg Taylor
Jeffrey Schlupp arrived on deadline day to compete with Taylor at left-back despite questions over his favoured position.
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Taylor has had his critics this term albeit the Scotland cap has done well for the most part on the left-hand side of the back four.
The 27-year-old has been pivotal for Rodgers and Celtic in recent times but Schlupp is an experienced head from the Premier League and on the international scene with Ghana and he might be asked to use his physicality against Bayern’s big men.
It would perhaps be a surprise given how little Alex Valle was preferred to Taylor but Schlupp is also more weathered than the Spaniard was.
If it’s all about defence against Bayern, Schlupp may be more accomplished than GT3 and could be a shock inclusion from the start.
Daizen Maeda through the middle
Adam Idah has found his shooting boots for Celtic in recent weeks with goals against Aston Villa, Motherwell and Dundee following a bit of a barren run.
He was rested vs Raith Rovers for Bayern Munich on Wednesday but that was before Daizen hit a hattrick against the Stark’s Park outfit.
The Japanese had also notched a brace vs Dundee a week ago and he has proven himself well equipped to replace Kyogo as a lone striker in his own right.
It would come as a surprise if it is Daizen given Idah’s confidence levels while the Hoops would miss his efforts in the wide areas as well as his defensive running.
But it would not be as left-field now as it might have felt months ago.
Jota on the wing
Given the domino effect of the potential Daizen decision for Rodgers, it would mean Jota would start in the wide areas.
The winger may not be at 100 percent but he has looked dangerous in his first few appearances.
Jota cried happy tears after scoring vs Motherwell and he sent in a gorgeous cross for a Maeda header vs Dundee the following game.
Both players on the wing would cause different problems for the visitor’s defence.
And fans would surely not be against whomever Rodgers opts for with Bayern set to struggle against either.
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