The Celtic fringe XI Brendan Rodgers could field against Ross County with one eye on Aberdeen away day

The fixture schedule to Christmas is always notoriously jam-packed and can cause selection headaches for managers.

However, for Brendan Rodgers, it may well be the ideal chance to show just how much strength, depth and quality he has within his ranks as he goes about keeping his squad fresh, but equally strong when they juggle domestic and Champions League matters. The Hoops went unchanged to the XI for Club Brugge from the off that defeat Hearts last Saturday night under the lights at Tynecastle.

It is Ross County on the agenda today and there could be a temptation to use the wider squad with one eye on midweek. It is the small matter of a trip to Pittodrie to face nearest challengers Aberdeen. Celtic already hold a two point advantage over Jimmy Thelin's men - having played a game less - and that gap could be extended further by the close of play this weekend depending on the results of both teams with the Dons back in the capital to face the Jambos after a midweek 3-3 draw with Hibs.

Then all eyes turn to Wednesday night and with the chance to put day light between the two sides and maintain that healthy lead over Rangers back in third, Rodgers may well look to keep some of his more used stars in reserve at Parkhead this afternoon and ready for that big trip to the Granite City. A lot of football is still to come over this period with five games between today and the Premier Sports Cup Final against Philippe Clement's men on December 15 at Hampden.

Taking all that into account, Rodgers could make at least up to four or five changes to his side for the visit of the Staggies. Arne Engels has been a name in the headlines of late and this could be a chance to take him out the firing line with a lot of talk about giving