Brendan’s big midfield call for Ibrox, Engels set for nod ahead of Bernardo

The Celtic Star

·1 de enero de 2025

Brendan’s big midfield call for Ibrox, Engels set for nod ahead of Bernardo

Paulo Bernardo deserves to start at Ibrox, but I reckon Brendan will play Arne Engels alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in the Celtic midfield…

Arne Engels in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Tomorrow will see us kick off our first game of 2025, and it’s a tough one with the small matter of a trip to Ibrox to negotiate.

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Ibrox side in disarray

The Ibrox side might be in a bit of disarray at the moment, but it will still prove to be a difficult task to earn the three points, so it’s vital we play to the best of our abilities, and that means fielding our strongest starting XI.

With a fully fit squad to choose from minus James Forrest who is unfortunately injured, the side kind of picks itself. However there is one area that we have a bit of conundrum in, and that is in the middle of the park, with four players all vying for three places. Three will start and one will come off the bench and only Brendan Rodgers will know who will start.

Arne Engels celebrates scoring during the match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park, on 26th December 2024. (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

Paulo Bernardo or Arne Engels?

I reckon that the Celtic manager will favour Reo Hatate alongside Callum McGregor with the other spot being a straight choice between Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels.

Paulo Bernardo has been absolutely fantastic these past few games, while Arne Engels has been in and out of the side, but after the Belgian’s outstanding performances against Motherwell and especially St Johnstone, I reckon he will be the man that Brendan selects come 3pm tomorrow.

Paulo Bernardo in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

It will be somewhat unfair on Paulo who has done nothing wrong this season, but I’ve just got a hunch that Brendan will give the nod to our record signing.

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