Celtic advanced to yet another final under Brendan Rodgers’ leadership. Due to their equal number of Premiership points, Celtic’s matchup with Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-final generated a lot of buzz.
However, you would never have imagined that Scotland’s two best sides would be playing each other at Hampden over the weekend. The fact that Celtic beat the Dons for six was more evidence that the champions are far superior to the rest of the nation. Rodgers made some significant decisions regarding his starting lineup prior to the match, and it’s safe to assume that he was also taking into account the league’s 2-2 draw at Parkhead.
That proved the respect the Celtic boss had for the second-best team in Scotland because he knew this was the team’s biggest challenge yet.
Auston Trusty Celtic selection a ‘compliment’ to Aberdeen
Despite Liam Scales doing nothing wrong for Celtic, he was benched for the semi-final clash and Auston Trusty stood alongside opening goalscorer Cameron Carter-Vickers.
In truth, the duo didn’t really break a sweat, but Michael Stewart feels that this was Rodgers thinking about the opposition more than ever before.
The Premier Sports (02/11/24) pundit added that it was a ‘compliment’ to Aberdeen and he still expects Scales to play a ‘big part’ for Celtic.
“Aberdeen should take that as a compliment,” said Stewart. “It’s not saying Brendan Rodgers never pays attention to the opposition. He always is.
“But the focus is primarily on what Celtic can do to hurt them. What he is showing there is that he is thinking about this Aberdeen side are a real threat and he just wants to mitigate it. That’s what the squad is there for.
“There is no doubt that Liam Scales is going to have a big, big part to play for Celtic.”
Why Trusty started ahead of Scales for Celtic against Aberdeen
First of all, it shows the depth in quality Celtic now have at the back because the centre-back spot isn’t the only position in the team were there is serious competition.
Greg Taylor and Alex Valle are vying for starts at left-back, the midfield is packed with talent and there are two goalscorers worthy of leading the line regularly.
This is further proof of how this team under Rodgers is growing, with the boss explaining his call to start Trusty over Scales.
Aberdeen’s threat in behind – which they showcased during the league meeting – played a huge factor and how the American is just quicker than his teammate, as the Irishman told Premier Sports.
Rodgers remarked, “I thought Auston was really quick with those through balls and if you are going to play a high line.” Aberdeen’s penetration and runs are crucial, as is their speed. Nothing wrong has been done by Scales. He’s well appreciated. You simply must make these choices occasionally.
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