Celtic remain on top of Brendan Rodgers’ wave both domestically and in Europe after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to an impressive Club Brugge brought the Glasgow side closer to qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.
They have now gone 11 games without losing since their 7-1 win over Borussia Dortmund (their only defeat in 20 games this season) and are now two points ahead at the top of the national standings.
However, while their progress appears relentless and should continue beyond Saturday considering they have beaten visitors Ross County in their last 12 meetings, question marks remain over several positions.
With Adam Idah waiting in the wings, Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal rate is being questioned considering his five goals this season alone make him the Premiership’s top scorer along with nine others, including County’s Ronan Hale, who also has more shots on goal than any other player.
There is also a battle at left-back between Scotland international Greg Taylor and 20-year-old Barcelona loanee Alex Valle.
However, the focus after midweek is on midfield, where some pundits and supporters have called for Arne Engels to make way for Paulo Bernardo.
Engels made an impressive start following his multi-million-dollar move from Augsburg in August, but for the second time in recent weeks, Rodgers had to defend the 21-year-old Belgium international after another subdued performance in midweek.
Meanwhile, his Portuguese teammate, who also completed a permanent transfer from Benfica this summer, has been showing his qualities from the bench.
Considering County have only won once at Celtic Park in their history and are winless away from home in seven outings (and 23 league games in total), their visit could be an ideal opportunity for Engels to regain his trust.
In fact, considering that County have lost their last 11 visits to Celtic Park by an aggregate of 34-3, while Celtic have scored at least two goals in each of their last 21 league games (the longest streak in goals in its history), the signs are disastrous for the visitors, no matter who plays.
