Brendan Rodgers explains Celtic’s choice to preserve the starting XI against Rangers from the Dinamo Zagreb encounter

Brendan Rodgers has provided an explanation for Celtic’s decision to maintain the same starting XI that faced Dinamo Zagreb in midweek for the match against Rangers.

This afternoon, the Premier Sports Cup Final will be held at Hampden, where the Hoops will face off against their adversaries Rangers.

The match is expected to be an exciting one. Arne Engels or Paulo Bernardo, Greg Taylor or Alex Valle at left-back, and Kyogo or Adam Idah as the sole striker were among the significant personnel decisions that Rodgers faced. The Celtic manager had his XI for Rangers commended by his supporters.

He has since disclosed that his selections were influenced by the need for freshness and that substitutes will be crucial at the national stadium for the anticipated monumental final.

Rodgers was questioned on BBC Sportsound regarding his decision to maintain the same starting lineup from the goalless stalemate in Zagreb on Tuesday of last week.

The manager replied, “Yes, but modification is required within the game.” The team’s freshness is crucial, as there are currently numerous contests to play.

“At some point, we will update it.” Brendan Rodgers has stated that he will optimize the Celtic bench’s utilization during the Rangers match. “It will be the team with which we commence the game; however, it is unlikely that it will reach the conclusion.”

The midfield, particularly Engels and Bernardo, was the subject of discussion among both fans and commentators.

Earlier this weekend, Neil Lennon expressed his belief that the Belgian would develop into a “real player” for the club. It was speculated that Engels might be selected.

Nevertheless, Bernardo has had some of his most impressive performances for the club against their opponents, and he assisted Adam Idah in securing the Scottish Cup Final victory at the conclusion of the previous season.

The match between Celtic and Rangers will commence at Hampden Park at 3:30 p.m. In the build-up to the final this week, the Irishman, who will be starting on the substitutes this afternoon, disclosed that he was dissatisfied with the beginning of his season.

Furthermore, Idah acknowledged that he had intended to be substituted off during his Glasgow Derby début last year. However, his nerves were alleviated by a goal scored during the match.