Celtic will emerge from the international break facing a season-defining stretch of fixtures that could shape their ambitions on multiple fronts.
The winter period is set to be relentless, with crucial games in the Premiership, Champions League, and League Cup all packed into a hectic schedule.
Brendan Rodgers, however, can approach this challenge with confidence. His squad is in rude health, key players are delivering consistently, and the depth on the bench provides a wealth of options.
Among the high-stakes fixtures lies a marquee clash: the Scottish League Cup final against Rangers on 15 December.
It’s another opportunity for Celtic to assert their dominance over Philippe Clement’s men at Hampden, a venue that has become a familiar battleground for the Old Firm.
Last season’s final saw Adam Idah play the hero, and now Celtic will look to another player to step up and seize the moment.
While much can change before that cup showdown, Clement’s precarious position as Rangers boss raises questions about whether he’ll still be in charge come mid-December.
His side’s form has been patchy at best, and the mounting pressure is palpable. Regardless, one man who’s already feeling anxious about the final is former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.
Barry Ferguson wary of Daizen Maeda’s threat
Daizen Maeda has been a constant thorn in Rangers’ side, particularly for captain James Tavernier.
The Japanese winger’s relentless pace and work rate have caused Tavernier countless problems in past encounters, and Ferguson fears more of the same when the two sides meet.
Speaking on Go Radio, Ferguson laid out what Rangers must do to contain Maeda, urging his former club to adopt a suffocating approach.
“He has been a thorn in Rangers’ side over the last number of years, Maeda,” Ferguson said.
“He is one player who you can’t give an inch. You need to suffocate him. If you don’t suffocate him, then you are in trouble.”
Ferguson also hinted at a tactical dilemma for Clement, suggesting Tavernier’s place in the starting XI could be under threat.
“I think the manager will sit and look closely at it. You have seen the difference. I thought Dujon was good on Thursday for the 50 minutes. Kasanwirjo, he came into that right-back area.”
For Ferguson, the cup final trumps Rangers’ Europa League clash with Tottenham just days earlier.
“For me, the most important game is the cup final,” he admitted.
“That is a game that Rangers have to win.”
Maeda’s dominance in the Glasgow derby
Maeda’s record in the Glasgow derby is a testament to his influence. The Japan international has featured in 16 games against Rangers, with his standout moments including a lightning-fast opening goal at Ibrox last season.
It’s the type of performance that epitomises the headaches he causes for defenders, particularly Tavernier.
Maeda has emerged victorious in 11 of those 16 encounters, a remarkable statistic that underlines his importance in this fierce rivalry. As Transfermarkt highlights, Maeda will be eager to extend that record and continue his impressive run against Rangers.
Whether Tavernier starts or not, Celtic will count on Maeda to deliver once again, knowing his contribution could be decisive in another chapter of this storied rivalry.