NafisaOne more crucial clash awaits Brendan Rodgers and Celtic.
In recent outings, through squad rotation, giving fringe players minutes, and dealing with injuries, the Celtic boss has shuffled his starting lineup.
However, on Saturday, as Celtic marked their title triumph against St Mirren, barring Reo Hatate’s injury absence, it’s fair to say the club’s strongest XI took to the pitch.
So, with Celtic’s Scottish Cup final battle against Aberdeen at Hampden looming this weekend, is the team now locked in?
Well, after Celtic’s dramatic finish versus St Mirren, Chris Sutton believes it may not be that straightforward—highlighting one position in particular.
Nicolas Kuhn to be benched for James Forrest in Scottish Cup final?
Nicolas Kuhn’s performances have been inconsistent in 2025, despite a flying and impressive start to the season.
But against St Mirren, Sutton thought Kuhn had a ‘quiet game’, leading him to question whether he should retain his place in the starting XI for the Hampden finale, as he told Sky Sports Football (17/05/25).
The German’s cause hasn’t been helped by James Forrest’s record-breaking strike—and his electric form since recovering from injury.
“He is the most decorated, and I have said to you before, the most underrated,” said Sutton.
“He has had a phenomenal career at Celtic. The goal was fitting, the way he just cut across it, and he had chances at Pittodrie, didn’t he!? And it didn’t happen.
“The longer the game went on, you are thinking, ‘well, maybe it’s not just Celtic’s day, but James isn’t going to get there’.
“But he came on, and Nicolas Kuhn had a quiet game. We talked about the starting lineup being one for the cup final. I am not so sure now.
“With James Forrest’s performance, the way he came on, and the whole dynamic of the game changed. The difference maker. Brilliant for him. Martin (O’Neill) is talking about the roar (from the home crowd). It was fitting. It was sensational.”
Kuhn and Forrest’s stats for Celtic vs St Mirren:
Forrest has emerged as one of Celtic’s standout contributors in recent weeks, even earning Man of the Match in his most recent start—ironically, also against Aberdeen.
Rodgers has left Kuhn out before, so doing so again wouldn’t be surprising—especially given Forrest’s current popularity with the Celtic faithful.
Based on the weekend’s showing, Forrest—who replaced Kuhn just before the hour mark—made a significantly greater impact than the German, as illustrated by the stats above.
Shots: 1
Key Passes: 2
Accurate Long Balls: 1
Dribbles: 2
Touches: 40
Kuhn’s rating: 6.51.
Shots: 4
Goals: 1
Key Passes: 2
Accurate Long Balls: 1
Dribbles: 1
Accurate crosses: 1
Touches: 51
Forrest’s rating: 7.70
Nafisa
