Chris Sutton believes Daizen Maeda will spearhead the Celtic attack when they take on Rangers at Celtic Park this Sunday. The former Hoops striker will be on pundit duty for Sky Sports as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to move another step closer to the title with victory in the Glasgow Derby.
There has been plenty of debate among supporters over who should get the nod to lead the line. Adam Idah has impressed since arriving on loan, while Maeda has hit top form in recent weeks. Sutton reckons Rodgers won’t be able to look past the Japanese forward when naming his starting eleven.
Speaking ahead of the match, Sutton told RecordSport: “I know there’s been some debate over who gets the nod up front and I get the temptation to keep Daizen Maeda out wide because he nullifies the threat of James Tavernier in attack and scares the wits out of the Rangers captain going the other way.
“I just can’t see Rodgers going for anything than Maeda through the middle, though. His form up front has been sensational. Fans have practically forgotten about Kyogo because he’s been so prolific.”
Sutton also took aim at Celtic’s rivals, claiming Rangers’ lack of title challenge played a part in Kyogo’s departure during the January transfer window. Inferring Celtic’s willingness to sell their striker was down to the Ibrox club’s impotence. Celtic sold Kyogo for £10m.
“That sale does sum up how little challenge Rangers have provided this season,” Sutton continued. “If there were two or three points in it back in January, there’s no way he’d be twiddling his thumbs on the Rennes bench right now. He is old news and Maeda’s the main man now.”
With Maeda expected to lead the line, Sutton tipped Jota to make an impact out wide and highlighted the importance of having options like Adam Idah from the bench.
“I’d expect him to be up front again on Sunday and that would allow Jota to play on the flank,” Sutton added. “He could be the man to unlock the defence if Barry Ferguson does send them out to sit deep. The likes of Adam Idah could be effective from the bench as the game goes on and perhaps opens up.”
Celtic head into the game 16 points clear at the top of the table, with Rodgers hoping to secure another derby win after a dominant 3-0 display at Celtic Park last time around.
