Celtic cruised to a 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Glasgow’s Hampden Park as Brendan Rodgers secured his first piece of silverware as the Scottish champions’ manager. The League Cup triumph, which was incidentally Celtic’s 100th major honour, laid a true marker for the Hoops chasing a historic invincible domestic treble.
Focus once again shifts to the Scottish Premiership as Celtic face a trip to Fir Park this weekend to face a Motherwell side sitting sixth on the league table. Top of the table with a comfortable 8 point lead over the second-placed Hearts and a 3 game cushion, the Hoops are yet to be defeated in a domestic game so far this season.
Team News:
Kieran Tierney and Scott Sinclair are the notable absentees for the Hoops. Tierney had been playing with an injury before he was ruled out till January with ankle ligament damage. Sinclair, on the other hand, was taken off injured at half-half-time in Celtic’s Champions League clash with Barcelona and was forced to miss out on the League Cup Final against Aberdeen.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Craig Gordon
Except that first- half save from Andrew Considine’s header, Gordon didn’t have much else to do all night last time out. But he wouldn’t mind as long as he has that medal around his neck. The Scottish custodian retains his place ahead of Dorus de Vries.
Mikael Lustig
Mikael Lustig continues at right-back after a fairly comfortable showing against Aberdeen. The Swede was his usual calm self in defense, happy to sit back and negotiate the threat of Jonny Hayes.
Erik Sviatchenko
Picking up passes and breaking the lines – Erik Sviatchenko has fitted perfectly into Brendan Rodgers’ style of play. Had another comfortable outing against Aberdeen and was his usual strong presence at the back.
Jozo Simunovic
The former Dinamo Zagreb man was probably the pick of back-four against Aberdeen and free of injury concerns is beginning to show his real ability. Was an integral part of Celtic’s first goal on the night and was a defensive rock throughout.
Emiliano Izaguirre
In the absence of Kieran Tierney, Emiliano Izaguirre has stood in at left-back and has shown signs of his usual self. He has been defensively sound, stuck to his task and made the by-line his own.
Scott Brown
The Hoops’ skipper is one of the many players to have benefitted tremendously from the arrival of Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead. A strong showing against Aberdeen was just another testament to the fact. Leading by example, Brown dominated the proceedings and was easily the player of the match.
Stuart Armstrong
Has been deployed in a two-man midfield partnership with skipper Scott Brown and has been far more influential in a central role. Another solid performance on the night against Aberdeen, a vital outlet for the attacking trio of Roberts, Rogic and Forrest in the final third.
James Forrest
Forrest is probably experiencing the season of his life and produced another superb performance against Aberdeen. His goal to double Celtic’s lead was worthy of winning any cup final. Created some wonderful chances throughout the game and won the penalty for Celtic’s third to cap off a stellar display.
Patrick Roberts
The Manchester City loanee has linked up well with Moussa Dembele and Tom Rogic since his move but had a comparatively quiet showing against Aberdeen. The trickery with his feet caused a few problems, but he’d be hoping for a far more influential outing at Motherwell.
Tom Rogic
Aussie wonder kid Tom Rogic is having a wonderful season and is expected to continue as the number ten. An attacking threat throughout, Rogic is capable of producing something out of nothing. Had another fantastic game against Aberdeen and sent his team on the way to victory by scoring the opener.
Moussa Dembele
Moussa Dembele has been an absolute revelation for the Hoops ever since his summer move from Fulham. His strong showings haven’t gone unnoticed as Liverpool have been linked with a £20 million move for the French wonder kid. Had probably his quietest game yet in a Celtic shirt against Aberdeen, but still managed to add to his rising goal tally with an assured penalty late on.
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