Chris Sutton Warns Celtic Fans: Don’t Expect Saturday Dortmund Clue

As Celtic prepare for their weekend clash against St Johnstone, former Hoops striker Chris Sutton has urged fans not to get too caught up in Brendan Rodgers’ team selection for the match, particularly when it comes to predicting how the team will line up in their upcoming European tie against Borussia Dortmund.

Many supporters might be tempted to view Saturday’s fixture as a preview of the side Rodgers will field in Germany. However, Sutton was quick to dismiss this idea, suggesting that the domestic and European contexts are worlds apart. “I don’t believe Saturday’s selection when Celtic face St Johnstone will offer Dortmund clues,” Sutton wrote in his Record Sport column.

The Celtic hero went on to explain that Rodgers will most likely deploy his strongest XI at McDiarmid Park in a bid to secure vital league points. However, that doesn’t mean the same approach will work when the Hoops face the Bundesliga giants. According to Sutton, much will depend on how Rodgers anticipates the match unfolding, and he expects the Celtic boss to adjust his tactics for the challenge Dortmund presents.

Crucial St Johnstone Tie

Sutton’s comments make the clear distinction between domestic and European Football, especially in terms of tactical preparation. While winning in Perth remains crucial for Celtic’s domestic ambitions, Sutton’s insight suggests that Rodgers is likely to prioritise a strategy tailored specifically to cope with the intensity and technical demands of European comPetition.

For fans hoping to gather hints on the upcoming Dortmund clash, it looks like Saturday’s match might not reveal as much as they’d expect.

Celtic go into the St Johnstone match knowing they can’t call on their top centre back Cameron Carter-Vickers which is a major blow to the bhoys. It remains to be seen if he’ll make the Dortmund tie. While the Game might not offer us hints like Chris suggests, it could be used as a platform to really fine tune some of the players ahead of the trip to Germany.