Rodgers Huge Midfield Starting XI Call: Celtic vs Hearts

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has named his Hoops side to face Hearts this afternoon at Celtic Park, making one huge call in the starting 11.

With Celtic comfortably winning 3-0 against Rangers in their last outing, many expected an unchanged starting 11 this afternoon.

However, Rodgers has made a big decision by altering the lineup, naming a new starter for the Game.

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Here’s how Glasgow’s Green and White line up this afternoon! 🟢⚪#CELHEA | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/3EpYpbsaox

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 14, 2024

Arne Engels makes his first start for Celtic, which will likely be seen as a sign that Rodgers already views him as a first-team regular.

His performances in training must have impressed the Irishman, leading to his selection over Paulo Bernardo, who was excellent in the Glasgow Derby and might feel hard done by.

The rest of Celtic’s starting 11 remains unchanged, with Kasper Schmeichel in goal.

Both Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers have shaken off injury concerns to take their places in defence, alongside Liam Scales and Greg Taylor, completing the back four.

In midfield, Hoops skipper Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate will control the engine room, while Arne Engels has been handed a huge opportunity to prove why he’s Celtic’s record signing.

Celtic’s front three remains unchanged, with Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line, Nicolas Kühn on the right, and Daizen Maeda on the left.

All three have been in excellent form this season, making it clear that this trio represents the Hoops’ strongest attacking option at the moment.

Kick-off for today’s Game is at 3pm, with the Hoops looking to continue what has been an unbelievable start to the season.