When Kelechi Iheanacho limped off on Sunday, Wilfried Nancy had a choice: put Daizen Maeda through the middle and bring on a winger, or do a like-for-like swap with Johnny Kenny. You and I have seen enough of Daizen-through-the-middle this season that we doubtlessly shared a relief to see Johnny come on.
The remainder of the game did nothing to convince us this formation was better than the alternative. Johnny was significantly less effective than he had been in the semi-final, where even before his goal, he linked play and helped Celtic build attacks. Tonight, my preference would be for Daizen to play wide, give Johnny some scope.
Despite the defeat on Sunday, tonight’s game at Tannadice is unlikely to see a return to three at the back, with either Tony Ralston or Colby Donovan at right back and Kieran Tierney again asked to play 90 minutes. Yang should get the nod wide left. He offers more defensively than Sebastian Tounekti, who’s strength is not putting a defensive challenge in.
Celtic were not in great shape before Wilfried’s appointment. Wins over Dundee, St Mirren and Hibs were far from convincing, but a return to the system which got us through those games is needed for now.
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