As Celtic prepare for a crucial Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb, Brendan Rodgers faces three pivotal selection dilemmas. With so much riding on the match, every choice will be dissected by fans and pundits alike. The focus is on who gets the nod at left-back, who completes the midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, and who leads the line up front.
Rodgers has to weigh form, experience, and tactical fit as he looks to guide Celtic to a first away win in the Champions League since 2017.
Left-Back: Greg Taylor or Alexandro Valle?
Greg Taylor and Alexandro Valle bring very different qualities to the left-back position. Taylor’s steady presence and ability to handle defensive duties in big games make him a safe pick. However, Valle’s energy and attacking instincts could help unlock Dinamo’s injury-hit defence. Taylor started at the weekend against Hibs, hinting that Rodgers may turn to Valle’s fresh legs for this European test.
Midfield: Paolo Bernardo or Arne Engels?
The midfield conundrum centres on Paolo Bernardo and Arne Engels, both of whom have played in this season’s Champions League campaign. Bernardo, now in his second season at Celtic, has consistently impressed when given the chance. His performances off the bench have often added real quality, and his familiarity with the club’s style of play gives him an edge.
Engels, by contrast, is still finding his feet. The summer signing started brightly but has struggled for consistency of late. While he’s shown flashes of promise, Bernardo’s ability to make an impact and his greater experience within the Celtic system could make him the better choice.
Striker: Kyogo or Adam Idah?
Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah offer two very different attacking options. Kyogo’s sharpness, intelligent movement, and big-game mentality make him a standout choice for a match like this. His superb goal off the bench against Hibs at the weekend will have only strengthened his case to start.
Idah, meanwhile, provides a more physical presence and has linked play effectively when called upon. However, this feels like a game where Kyogo’s guile and knack for finding space will be critical against a Dinamo defence struggling with injuries.
Rodgers’ Selections Under the Microscope
Rodgers has managed his squad effectively this season, ensuring key players are fresh for moments like this. Still, the pressure is immense — a positive result in Zagreb could be transformative, but anything less will likely lead to debate over his key calls.
In my view, starting Valle, Bernardo, and Kyogo makes sense. Valle offers attacking dynamism, Bernardo’s experience and growing influence in midfield could be vital, and Kyogo is the man for the big occasion.
I think Brendan Rodgers gave the game away with his starting XI tonight by choosing who he chose to use in the Hibs game. For once, he could have been the leak!
What do you think? Will Rodgers stick with his tried-and-tested players, or could he spring a surprise? All eyes will be on the team sheet when it’s released tonight.
