Celtic are readying themselves for a battle against Rangers this weekend that could potentially put Brendan Rodgers’ side on the brink of being champions.
With three Scottish Premiership matches left to play, the Hoops hold a three-point advantage over Philippe Clement’s outfit and a superior goal difference compared to their rivals.
31 goals in the last ten matches across all competitions for Celtic have shown this side’s ability to thrive under pressure; nevertheless, Rodgers’ men know they need to summon the strength to prevail on Saturday in front of expectant home supporters.
Truthfully, there isn’t much in the way of selection dilemmas for the Irishman to mull over should his clean bill of health persist; regardless, details concerning player availability are set to become apparent in his press conference later this week.
Last weekend, Daizen Maeda returned from a hamstring injury that was initially set to rule him out for the season against Heart of Midlothian, completing two dribbles, winning two tackles and coming out on top in four duels despite only being on the pitch for 18 minutes [Fotmob].
Notoriously, the Japan international’s unique pressing style and commitment to shut down the opposition has the potential to wreak havoc in the Glasgow Derby, something James Tavernier can attest to amid the former’s opening goal in the last meeting between the two sides at Ibrox.
Daizen Maeda’s Celtic qualities under the microscope
Maeda earned the tag ‘king of the lost cause’ from Rodgers following his exploits in Govan last month, as his hard work resulted in a freak goal to hand Celtic the advantage, silencing the home crowd.
Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, former Hoops defender Charlie Mulgrew thinks if the 26-year-old is fit to start against Rangers, his presence could give his old side a ‘great lift’ due to the intensity he can supply to proceedings when at full throttle.
Mulgrew stated: “I think the start at Ibrox just sums up Maeda as a player. He brings a real intensity with his press. I think him being back is a great lift. Whether he starts on the bench and comes on later on or whether he starts the game, which you imagine he would, he brings that intensity, presses the game up high, and brings that energy for Celtic.
“When the first line presses that high, the rest of the midfield and the defence push a high line as well, so I imagine he’ll start the game, and he’s somebody that will bring a lot to Celtic, somebody they’ll look to have starting on that left-hand side and dealing with Tavernier because he’s a real threat on that right side.”
Maeda has to start for Celtic if he is fit and available
Granted, nobody wants to rush players back from injury; however, this is crunch time in the context of the season, and Celtic need Maeda in the starting line-up to stifle any Rangers’ momentum from deep.
Of course, his instinctual nature also puts forward a compelling threat at the other end, evidenced by his nine goals and three assists in 33 appearances this term [Transfermarkt].
Maeda is a critical player for Celtic who thrives off chaos, something you would back him to create if he is selected on either flank this Saturday.