20 Oct 2017 10:24:18
Hi Eds CL game disappointed more with the wae we played than the result that could happen to anyone there. Now the most important game now lies ahead and our demestic form has dipped slightly I think we need a convincing performance morra cause if we don't I think Hibs will have us. Chances to the team to freshen it up need to be made and am sure they will but what do u think those need to be made? I would like to see MacGreggor in for Ntcham Rogic in for Armstrong Wae Dembele starting too what are your thoughts on the game and line up.

{Ed007's Note - We need to make sure that we aren't overran in midfield like we were at Celtic Park the other week, Brown being back should help that. The only real decision is who partners Boyata in the central defence with Sviatchenko getting back to fitness and Ajer looking to play as well but I can see Rodgers going with Bitton in there.

------------Gordon---------
-Lustug--Bitton--Boyata--Tierney--
---------Brown----Ntcham----
Forrest---McGregor-----Sinclair---
-----------Dembele--------

1.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 11:46:29
I agree but think that we need Rogic in there as he seems to be the one player who can take the ball under pressure and hold on to it and make that pass and regards to it's time for him to return Griff doing well but needs a we break.

{Ed007's Note - I'd replace McGregor with Rogic as the game wears on.}

2.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 12:10:24
Would have Armstrong in for ntcham ED, ntcham for me has really struggled the past few games and Armstrong brings more energy to the midfield! And I'd play ajer before bitton, give the young guy a chance to prove himself.

{Ed007's Note - Armstrong battled to be fit for Wednesday and although he ran himself into the ground he didn't have a good game and I'm questioning how fit he really was. I think a spot on the bench is the best Armstrong can hope for at Hampden tomorrow.}

3.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 12:17:47
Ntcham should be nowhere near the team if we want to win. A man down. He shouldn't get in before any of our midfield ootuons apart from Hayes.

We can't afford to okay Hibs with ten men, the other giving them the ball. He's awful and a total waste if he had cuts £1m never mind nearly five. If we are winning maybe bring him in to try and raise his confidence, but even brimming he's still sliwung us down.

4.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 12:54:30
I like that line-up, Ed, but I think Ntcham may be due some time for reflection, and I want to see a bit more of Ajer. Don't envisage any difficulty with the hibees. One thing I'll say about the team with confidence: they are all real pros now, and having chased shadows for 90 minutes will make them appreciate their own domestic supremacy this weekend.

{Ed007's Note - Maybe Kouassi in there beside Brown could be an option.....

5.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 13:04:38
I was thinking the same thing. He also looks a bit ragged, in the Ntcham mould. I wonder it what that is all about really, as they both can obviously play and have the physique to dominate the middle of the park.

{Ed007's Note - We need to keep in mind that it's still a semi-final against a team that could have beaten us last time we met. Brown being back is a big boost and he will be invaluable in there against McGinn who ran the show last time.}

6.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 13:18:31
What about this to shake things up a bit?

---------De Vries---------
Lustig---Boyata---Tierney
-----Brown--Eboui-----
Forrest--McGregor--Hayes
---Dembele--Griffiths---.

{Ed007's Note - Not for me in a semi-final mate.}

7.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 13:26:00
Brown is key: his presence also allows a bit of experimentation I feel, if we need it.

That showing by McGinn was an eye-opener for me.

{Ed007's Note - McGinn's a cracking young player and hopefully when the time is right for him to leave Hibs he finds himself Celtic bound. I said last season that McGinn was the only player in Scotland that I would sign.}

8.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 13:41:01
I remember it, Ed. My old man (hibee) has been keen on him for a while too. Until last week I was thinking he'd struggle to displace any in our midfield, but if available for a game like tomorrow's he'd be a great option. I'd definitely be happy if we made an offer, and would hope for family reasons that it wouldn't be derisory.

{Ed007's Note - I'd be delighted if we could offload Bitton and replace him with McGinn in the squad but does Bitton's new found versatility now mean Rodgers sees him as a squad player? If we get the defence sorted out and there's be no need for Bitton to cover at CB then McGinn would be a great - and cheapish - replacement for him in the squad.}

9.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 14:17:27
Would have McGregor beside brown and Rogic in too
Gordon
Lustig. Bitton Boyata. Tierney
Brown. McGregor
Forrest. Rogic. Sinclair
Dembele.

10.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 14:39:49
Ed, How about resting/ bench SS and play Calum on the left and Rogic in the 10

Then you have a front four that are all relatively fresh? (y)

11.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 15:16:39
Biton is a funny one. Too lackadaisical for the Scottish game, probably. I found myself wondering if he wouldn't be the kind of player we'd have liked to have on Wednesday tho: he's unflappable and might buy us some time on the ball (even if it is going laterally) . I think Ed suggested starting him in the midfield in one post - and I scorned the notion - but, really, it might have given us some breathing space.

I'd still punt him given a reasonable offer, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if he might go on to really contribute to a differently composed team in a different sort of league.

{Ed007's Note - I put up a formation with Bitton sitting in protecting the defence which would have meant if Lustig was going to be pulled out to help Gamboa Bitton could slot in beside Boyata in the middle. He slows the play down which isn't appreciated or really needed in Scottish football but is ideal for European games imo, especially when we're under the cosh a bit.}

12.) 20 Oct 2017
20 Oct 2017 18:38:02
I agree with your team selection Ed007 .
I disagree that playing Ntcham is a man down . Funny I thought he scored the winner last Saturday . Not bad for a nobody .