Securing qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League has given Steven Gerrard some breathing space for the next two domestic fixtures against Ross County and Dundee United.
Normally, I would expect the gaffer to rotate his squad for the trip to Dingwall, but with an almost dead rubber against Lech Poznan this week – topping the group would, however, bring in a sizeable pay out – those that played against Standard Liege could be asked to go again.
There isn’t an international break until March, and with no winter break this year, he should take every opportunity to rest players that will be expected to play the majority of the domestic fixtures in the weeks and months ahead.
An extra £1million or so in the coffers for winning the group would be nice in these fiscally challenging times but there are more important things this season – as strange as that may sound.
This is the team I hope Gerrard goes with as we look to continue our winning start to the season:
Managing the minutes of the likes of Steven Davis and Scott Arfield – named as a guaranteed starter after his Europa League heroics – could be vital in our success this season, unfortunately Ryan Jack isn’t quite fit but we have enough options to rotate in midfield without there being any drop off in quality – Filip Helander continues to self-isolate.
County showed at Parkhead last weekend that they are no mugs and should be treated with respect and as such, I’d like to see us go with our “first choice” front three again, then rest them against Poznan.
Having five substitutes is also a huge benefit, being aggressive and playing with pace from the outset should allow Gerrard to make changes earlier if things are going well, Celtic demonstrating perfectly what happens if you don’t play with any tempo against Stuart Kettlewell’s side.
It’s never an easy away trip given the physicality of the Highlanders and the quality of performance will always be second to the result, that they caused us problems at Ibrox should serve as a reminder that three points won’t just be handed to us for the bus ride home.