Rodgers sticking to the plan for Motherwell trilogy

BRENDAN Rodgers has stuck to tried and trusted preparation methods ahead of Celtic’s third consecutive game against Motherwell.

The Hoops boss saw his side win the Betfred Cup final at Hampden Park last Sunday with a 2-0 win over the Steelmen.

Celtic then came from behind to draw 1-1 in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Fir Park on Wednesday night.

The third part of the trilogy comes at Parkhead in the league today. It gives the champions the chance to extend their domestic unbeaten run to 67 games, with Rodgers relying on his well-rehearsed plans.

“We look forward to it,” he said. “Every game is a challenge and of course there are different challenges when you play a team three times over the course of seven days.”

Rodgers will assess the fitness of striker Moussa Dembele and midfielder Nir Bitton who are both carrying knocks.

“Our supporters are brilliant on our travels, so for us, in front of 60,000 people, we want to go and demonstrate our qualities and intensity for them and we will pick a team to win the game,” Rodgers said.

Facing the same team three times in quick succession means there are no secrets to how either side is likely to play. “Of course it is not the norm but there is no more or less preparation,” Rodgers said.

“We look at the game, we will do our analysis, we will study what the game was like on Wednesday and reference the game last weekend but really, looking forward to the game on Saturday to get the three points off them.”

Scott Brown insists there will be a clash of football cultures on display again.

The skipper said: “We play to win and play attractive football and they try to stop us by playing direct football, so it’s two opposites really.” Fair point: Brendan Rodgers aims to take all three points