Aside from big Juranovic, who will be recovering from playing in a World Cup semi-final, Celtic will be taking a squad to Aberdeen at the weekend which is as close to full strength as we’ve seen it in quite some time.
Of particular interest is the midfield.
It will be harsh on Haksabanovic, to say the least, to find himself out of the team after he’s given so much to it in recent weeks. But Callum McGregor is part of the strongest side, and Matt O’Riley has shown in the friendly why we have missed him in his natural role.
It may be that Maeda is given some extra time off, but I expect him to be in the squad if not in the starting eleven. The strength of the squad means you never know who plays up front; I would go with Kyogo, Abada and Jota … how we’ve missed those guys.
But Ange might well feel differently.
If Maeda is judged to be fit then he might well start wide left, which would leave the boss with a big decision over who plays on the right. It is the sort of decision that any manager in the business would love to have to make.
Central defence should, in theory, pick itself. Kobayashi is not available to us yet because he can’t be registered until January, and its likewise with Johnston so we are probably looking at Ralston on the right, Carter Vickers and Jenz in the middle and … who at left back? Taylor is in superb form but Bernabei hasn’t done much wrong either.
Strength in depth. At long last.
Coming to the fore when we need it most, and signings on the way to strengthen even further. Our captain, and arguably the most influential member of the squad, about to return after an extended absence … no wonder our fans can’t wait.
The Ibrox club plays before we do; they kick off on Thursday night.
We play Saturday and then again on the Wednesday.
Their bizarre fixture list sees them play on the Tuesday next week.
So they will have two chances to cut the gap to six points before we kick a ball. On the other hand, that could mean that we could have two opportunities to extend our lead.
Regardless, this is what we’ve been waiting for.
A fully fit squad and the resumption of the real football.
Roll on Saturday. Roll on watching Celtic again.
Juranovic won’t be recovering from the World Cup. He’ll still be there. Even if Croatia lose their semifinal, there’s a third place game that takes place on the 17th.
I think he will be playing in the final. Kerching!
We used to all dread going to play at Aberdeen, but not any longer. That’s not to say we go there confidently, but with a certainty that our team will produce the goods under any circumstances and that, we as Champions, are in the driving seat. So, give it your best shot Dons, we are ready for you.