Brendan Rodgers drops heavy Celtic hints for Ibrox as Clement perilously close to becoming another Rangers victim
As problems go, it’s a bit like complaining the new Christmas Tom Ford shoes are feeling a little tight.
Brendan Rodgers’s only problem heading to Ibrox on Thursday is wondering how he can squeeze all of his best players into the Celtic starting line up. In contrast, under-fire Philippe Clement has to work out who the heck he can trust in his side – while keeping one eye on the phone for the call that could mean he won’t even be in the dugout when the side’s collide again.
The Belgian is perilously close to becoming the next Rangers Rodgers’ victim but it’s not an issue that will cross the Irishman’s mind. His focus will be on his own side – and there are already some heavy hints how he’ll send them out. Back-to-back man of the match displays from Arne Engels has booked his spot in the big one.
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The Belgian was back to his very best in the stroll against St Johnstone and when he departed the scene with half an hour to go it was a telltale sign the cotton wool was out for Ibrox. Callum McGregor will be the first name on the team sheet in Govan, of course, and it’s likely to be Reo Hatate getting the last midfield berth. It will be harsh on Paulo Bernardo, who was also outstanding in the Saints skoosh in the McGregor deeper role, but the Portuguese playmaker is likely to have a role to play from the bench.
Hatate can be a high wire act at times. He takes risks with the ball and when it doesn’t quite come off it can push his own side under some pressure. But you have to take the rough with the smooth with the Japan star. The fact he sees passes no other can see makes him so unpredictable – and unplayable.
And when he is on it, Celtic take some stopping. That’s why he’ll get the nod at Ibrox. Elsewhere the team almost picks itself. Alex Valle did his case no harm with his display the other day but playing 90 minutes suggests it will be Greg Taylor coming back in after sitting out again Saints.
That shouldn’t stress Hoops fans. Taylor might have made a boo boo in the Old Firm League Cup but he’s tried and tested in this fixture. Likewise Liam Scales, who has regained his place in recent weeks after Auston Trusty picked up a knock. Yet it wouldn’t be a shock to see Trusty back in the side for the derby. Scales was superb with the ball at his feet against St Johnstone but Trusty might be the more old school alternative with Rangers often opting to go long against Celts.
Clement’s tactics this time will be interesting. At Hampden he was happy to allow Celtic to have the ball and then look to pinch possession in their own half and spring on the break. It worked pretty well in the first half but it’s a risky set up as it invites pressure and it only needs Celtic to stick together a couple of combinations to play their way through. It could turn the game into another basketball match – but that might be Gers’ best hope.
Allowing Celts long periods of the ball again might not cut it with the Ibrox crowd mind you, with patience already wearing thin. Either way, the Light Blues certainly can’t go toe-to-toe in the midfield because the harsh reality is they are outgunned in that department.
It will be on Clement to find the answers as while Rodgers slips on the new loafers, his rival is in serious danger of the boot.
