Two players which should be ‘rested’ are Kris Commons and Gary Hooper. Commons, who started the season in great form has went off the boil badly in the last month, culminating in a very poor performance on Saturday, where he continued his trait of shooting almost every time he got the ball in the opposition half. He lalso missed a great chance after good work by Lassad. A feel after playing non-stop since the start of the season a rest would do him good. It’s slightly different with Gary Hooper, who had been out injured for a while before coming back against Benfica. To me he seems unfit, perhaps he was rushed back too quickly from injury, and I feel resting him until what could be a season-defining game against Spartak would be ideal.
As for who can come into the side, I feel Lassad deserves a start. He has done well in the few starting appearances he has had so far, and recently against Aberdeen and Inverness he impressed after coming off the bench. He is also a big physical player, who gives us a different option up front.
Lack of creativity in midfield is also causing a problem this season, and I feel Wednesday would be an ideal game for Dylan McGeouch to show his skills. He is the type of player who can run at defences and create, something which Celtic seem to lack often in the SPL. A player like him could be vital for the Spartak game also, as our European mindset will have to change and we will have to attack rather than try and hit on the break.
Wednesday’s game will be very difficult, Hearts as we all know are fighting for their future as a football club, and the atmosphere will be hostile as ever. However, if Neil Lennon bites the bullet and makes the changes – something he has not always done – then Celtic should be able to get the win that keeps us top of the league.