As we continue to battle our way through the business end of the season, all eyes have been on Martin O’Neill’s starting line-ups and everyone under the sun, including myself, has an opinion on them…
I wrote recently – when we were still on The Celtic Star before we all moved over to our new home on Celticshorts.com – stating that I have been impressed by O’Neill recently in how he’s utilising the squad. Personally I find myself agreeing with his decisions on most occasions, although I know not everyone is of the same opinion.
Celtic v Rangers – Everyone will be giving their two cents worth on Celtic team selection
As we head into another Glasgow Derby on Sunday, one we almost certainly have to win, everyone will be giving their two cents on who should start against our bitterest of rivals.
With yet another vital goal at the weekend, I have seen more and more people clamouring for Kelechi Iheanacho to start against the Rangers. I can see why people want him in from the start. He is clearly the number one striker in our squad when it comes to the one thing we have struggled to do all season – put the ball in the back of the net.
It’s imperative that Daizen Maeda starts up top
I however am firmly of the opinion that if he is fit, then it’s imperative that Daizen Maeda starts up top. Plenty feel that the Japanese stars best position is out on the left wing, and I tend to agree, but for the rest of the season I think he starts as our main striker.
Maeda chases and harries every ball, he’s a centre back’s nightmare
While Iheanacho is the better natural goalscorer, Maeda offers a lot more overall. He chases and harries every ball, he’s a centre back’s nightmare. Goalkeepers hate seeing him, he gives them absolutely no time to relax. Jack Butland is known to struggle with the ball at his feet. The last thing he wants to see is Daizen bearing down on him.
The one thing I think Daizen struggles with, like a lot of his teammates in fact, is playing against teams who like to sit in a low block. He is much more effective against teams who want to come out and play, this has been clear to see over the years especially in European football.
Maeda loves to use his pace to try and run in behind
He loves to use his pace to try and run in behind. With the Rangers needing all three points to prolong any little hope they have of winning the title, expect them to come out full throttle looking for the win. This should play perfectly into Celtic, and Maeda’s, hands.
I really like Iheanacho and appreciate what he brings to the table. Injury problems have blighted his season but when he has played he has certainly made his mark.
Iheanacho’s goals have been crucial in keeping Celtic in contention
Iheanacho has scored some vitally important goals that have kept us in this title race. My only worry about Kelechi is that he’s clearly not fully fit. His goal against Hibs was fantastic but on two other occasions his laziness nearly cost us dearly, as Hibs created chances from his slackness. It’s hard to work out if it’s a fitness problem or general laziness but either way it means I think playing him from the start would be a huge risk.
He is much better utilised as an impact sub.
Personally I would go with Daizen Maeda starting up front on Sunday. Depending on how the game is going I think the perfect move is to bring Kelechi Iheanacho on with about 30 minutes left at the expense of one of the wingers, then move Maeda out left.
Next up, who starts in the middle of the park for Celtic in Glasgow Derby
In my next article I’m going to discuss the midfield situation, with many calling for both Benjamin Nygren and Arne Engels to be dropped.
Do you agree with Maeda over Iheanacho? Leave you comments below giving your view of the situation.
Conall McGinty
1 Comment
Agreed that the potential biggest selection headache for MoN remains as to what role Maeda is hopefully going to play?
First off, we are still hoping he is available?
After that, then for this particular match, I think that the Maeda and Tierney combination might suit ourselves better, with the ball in behind captain disappointed imo?
Agreed that Maeda pressing is a nightmare for CB and keeper to deal with, but kelchi has the potential to match the physical battle that the striker role will bring on Sunday. Also agree that kelchi has that laziness within his game, that could be a problem, but would also be surprised if that was on show on Sunday?
Maeda will work a CB partnership moreso, where kelchi can benefit later within a game, with more spaces available. And think MoN will stick with such a gameplan that’s been in place for these last few weeks imo?
Which potentially places Seb into doing the tracking back role, where I still don’t really rate him in that regards, within his own game. Also the Seb/Tierney isn’t as productive usually as what the Maeda/Tierney one can be?
So therefore, Maeda out left to start would be my own personal preference, even though I expect MoN to agree with yourself upon the decision taken imo?