Stiliyan Petrov is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Champions League clash between his two former clubs, Celtic and Aston Villa, in January.
Petrov, who had successful stints at both clubs, views the upcoming Champions League clash as a standout moment and believes several Celtic players could make an impact in Aston Villa’s lineup.
Petrov highlighted five Celtic players who could thrive in Aston Villa’s setup, including:
1. Alistair Johnston – A solid and dependable presence in defense.
2. Callum McGregor – An exceptional midfielder with leadership and technical ability.
3. Daizen Maeda – Known for his relentless energy and work rate, making him an asset to any side.
4. Kyogo Furuhashi – His intelligent movement and positivity in attack would suit Villa’s style.
Petrov also praised Reo Hatate, noting his continued growth as a player. He described Hatate as a rare box-to-box midfielder, someone who can score, create, and contribute defensively. Petrov believes Hatate’s attributes would make him a valuable addition to any top team, including Aston Villa.
Regarding Kyogo Furuhashi, Petrov acknowledged his movement and positivity but suggested that he might not be able to displace Ollie Watkins in Villa’s starting lineup, given the latter’s consistent brilliance at Villa Park.
Petrov is eagerly anticipating the clash between Celtic and Aston Villa, expecting a thrilling encounter between two attacking sides with lots of space to exploit, speed, and technical quality.
As Celtic prepares for what could be a pivotal encounter in the upcoming 8-game league stretch, their performance against a Premier League side will be closely watched. Brendan Rodgers, known for his strong track record against English clubs, has overseen notable results in the past, including a 3-3 draw and a 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Rodgers reflected on his previous Invincibles team, highlighting the contrast between that squad and the current group. Despite acknowledging the differences in pace, he urged his players to make their own mark, stressing that every team has the potential to create its own history. With Celtic potentially in a strong position, this match could be a key moment in the season.