It’s just too early for Brendan Rodgers to think about Borussia Dortmund with St Johnstone next on the agenda.
But the Celtic boss has vented his frustration at fixture scheduling going into the clash at McDiarmid Park – as he unloaded on TV companies for the extra rest days the Bundesliga giants have been handed over his side. Nuri Sahin’s men played on Friday night before Tuesday’s clash – while it’s a Saturday night showdown for the Scottish Premiership leaders.
With less time to prepare, Rodgers could turn to some of his back-up brigade rather than take the game as a dress rehearsal for the Westfalenstadion. And one area where big decisions are needed is at centre-back due to Cameron Carter-Vickers continued injury problems.
Auston Trusty started alongside Stephen Welsh against Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup – and is likely to keep his place as he ramps up his minutes following his summer move. However, there are questions over who could partner him.
Liam Scales would be the obvious choice – but Rodgers may be unwilling to gamble with another first-team regular before the European blockbuster. Forgotten £4.3m signing Maik Nawrocki was handed minutes off the bench last week and could be given a shot at redemption in Perth.
Rodgers faces more bid questions in the midfielder area. Arne Engels appears to have already made himself one of the first names on the team sheet after folling the void left by Matt O’Riley, but Paulo Bernardo is pushing for a start.
The £4.5m summer recruit has hardly put a foot wrong when called upon this season – and continued early-season form last week in the Premier Sports Cup win over Falkirk. That could see Reo Hatate drop to the bench in Perth.
Up front, the Adam Idah or Kyogo debate rumbles on. But given the Ireland international’s double last weekend and Rodgers’ conceding he has to manage the Japanese star due to his ongoing shoulder issues he could go with the £9.5m frontman again.
Predicted Celtic XI
Celtic squad in full
Goalkeepers
Kasper Schmeichel
Viljami Sinisalo
Scott Bain
Defenders
Alistair Johnston
Greg Taylor
Liam Scales
Auston Trusty
Alex Valle
Maik Nawrocki
Anthony Ralston
Stephen Welsh
Midfielders
Reo Hatate
Luis Palma
Nicolas Kuhn
Yang Hyun-jun
Luke McCowan
Arne Engels
Paulo Bernardo
Callum McGregor
James Forrest
Adam Montgomery
Forwards
Kyogo Furuhashi
Adam Idah
Daizen Maeda