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Celtic Confirm Semi-Final XI As McGregor, Trusty, And Valle Start

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has named his Hoops starting 11 to face Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final this evening at Hampden.

The Irishman made a number of changes midweek, with the likes of Anthony Ralston, Yang Hyun-jun, and Luis Palma all starting in the 2-0 win over Dundee.

Rodgers’ rotation has been evident in the previous two Games against Dundee and Motherwell, with the semi-final against Aberdeen seen as one of the biggest Games of the season so far.

Aberdeen go into tonight’s game with 15 wins out of 16 domestically, their only draw coming against Celtic at Celtic Park in a 2-2 match a fortnight ago.

With the Bhoys leading 2-0 at half-time, the Dons fought back to secure a draw in a game that was in Celtic’s hands for large spells.


Your starting XI in full features Kasper Schmeichel in goal, with the Dane proving to be an inspired signing so far.

His man-of-the-match performance against Atalanta, in particular, highlighted the experience and confidence he brings to the goalkeeping position.

Celtic’s back four starts with Alistair Johnston at right-back.

With back-to-back goals against Motherwell and Dundee, he has really risen to new heights this season at the club.

Cameron Carter-Vickers continues in defence, with the USA international as the first choice at centre-back due to his incredible time at the club.

Time and time again, he has proven to be a rock in defence.

One of the biggest decisions in the starting XI sees Rodgers choosing Auston Trusty over Liam Scales at left centre-back, one of the most competitive positions in the squad.

Trusty’s impressive performances in recent weeks, including against Atalanta in Bergamo, have shown that he has begun to adapt well to life in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, Liam Scales may feel hard done by not to start, given his strong form over the past year.

Alex Valle caps off the back four, with the Spaniard stepping up in Greg Taylor’s absence.

He is given the jersey at Hampden after providing an assist against Motherwell on Sunday and delivering a strong defensive performance in Bergamo.

Valle has truly begun to challenge Taylor’s starting spot, something that hasn’t been seen at Celtic in years.

Callum McGregor returns to midfield for the first time in over a week and a half in a huge boost, and he is partnered by Arne Engels and Reo Hatate in arguably Celtic’s first-choice midfield trio.

With some great performances together, Rodgers will hope they can replicate that this evening under the lights.

Nicolas Kuhn returns to the starting XI after missing Wednesday’s game at Celtic Park, with Daizen Maeda on the left and Kyogo Furuhashi up top in a really attacking front three that can mix creativity, pace, and clinical finishing.

Adam Idah returns to the bench and will likely play a big part in the second half of the Game, with his impact off the bench proving vital in big Games.

Kick-off for today’s game is at 5:30 PM, and it’s live on Premier Sports 1

 

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