Arne Engels

Engels where not flawless at least looked to run at and beyond their backline, he should have also won a freekick on the edge of their box if not for the ref.

He had a stupid little reverse pass he tried and gave the ball way on half way but to me he made a fairly positive impact on the game.

McCowan gave it away when he came on and after a good run and exchange with McGregor before taking the shot on was largely ineffective. Although I felt McCowan should have taken the freekick at the end that had to be an out swinger given how high their line was.

 

Bernardo was the only one I'd say was 'good' tonight. Hatate was probably bottom of the bunch for me tonight, pretty much nothing worked out that he tried was how I saw it.

 

He didn't create anything in the final 3rd, like everyone.. but thought he showed good strength on the ball at times..

Think the criticism coming his way has been a tad ott..

Trusty was the only positive for me tonight ..

 

Thought Taylor wasn't too bad ,

 

Will be interesting to see who starts this weekend in central midfield.

 

He lost possession 18 times. He was abysmal.

 

CalMac, Engles and Hatate for me, Bernardo to do some dmg from the bench.

 

The great thing is they are all good options and regardless of who starts all 4 will play an important role this weekend.

 

I think Hatate should be dropped after his performance midweek. I'd go McGregor, Engels and Bernardo. For me, Bernardo has been our best and most consistent midfielder. A fresh Hatate for later in the game is never a bad thing. I reckon Brendan might go with your lineup though.

 

That's the midfield I am hoping Brendan goes with.

Bernado and McGregor holding, with Engels breaking the lines, I reckon that would present them with major problems.

If Engels were to score, it would make him in the eyes of the Celtic support.

I don't trust Hatate to turn up on Sunday, because he has been half assed all season, and we can't afford to be a man down in a Cup Final.

 

I totally agree. Hatate been really guilty of holding on to the ball too long and losing possession in dangerous areas. Saw Tottenham do that several times and Rangers looked decent on the counter. Raskin and/or Barron are both decent at nicking the ball and putting pressure on players and I don't trust Hatate with the way he's playing just now either.

 

Cal Mac has not been at his best in a lot of games this season I really hope he steps up because when he does he brings up the quality of the rest of the midfield

 

You trust Engels though ? Hatate was unreal last time at Hampden in the semi , was crucial to get a win at Pittodrie recently and has ran the show in this very fixture on numerous occassions. He's been the difference many times for us when the chips are down . BR will go with him again . If Engels starts it will be for Bernardo but can't see it , and I hope not.

 

Also think Bernardo and Hatate suit each other more, Engels and Bernardo can be a bit similar and we’ve not really seen both of them starting together to get a sense of if they work well together.

Also always feel like when Hatate’s been at his worst and the calls for him to be dropped start and he’s getting stick, he pulls out a performance that makes you remember just how good he is

 

Both Hatate and Maeda have been poor for a while every time they come back from international breaks IMO. Maeda was my favourite player last season and Hatate was the saeson before that; but they're doing my nut in at times this season and it always seems to be after an international break.

There are far too many international games these days. It's kind of mental now.

 

Yeah I do agree with you. On his day Hatate is a proven difference maker and is capable of being the best player on the park at any given time. Even at Pittodrie though he had a rotten game up until he scored. I feel Engels may be hungrier to prove himself. Bernardo for me has to start. A shame McCowan is cup tied as I feel he should be starting on current form too.

 

Maeda was on fire before the international break, and was on fire from the start of the season that had other international breaks. He is a hot and cold player going forward, but always has that workrate.

Hatate is struggling just now, but with McCowan cup tied he’s the option in there next to Bernardo IMO. He has also never failed to turn up against them, and when he has been criticised he tends to pull out a performance that makes everyone remember he is also exceptional despite being frustrating lately. I wouldn’t be surprised at Hatate motm sunday or Hatate doing my nut in Sunday. Equally viable outcomes for me