Celtic travel to Tannadice this evening looking to keep their impressive early-season form going, with a Scottish Cup tie against Dundee United offering Brendan Rodgers the perfect chance to hand some fresh faces their first taste of action in a Hoops shirt.
Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan are both in contention to make their debuts, and supporters will be keeping a close eye on whether either man gets the nod from the start or comes off the bench to make an impression.
Baur, a creative midfielder, has been turning heads in training since his arrival, while Hassan brings pace and directness that could cause problems for any defence. With Celtic having already hit the ground running this season, Rodgers has the luxury of being able to rotate and still field a side capable of getting a result.
Dundee United will be desperate to cause an upset on home soil. Tannadice has never been the easiest place to go, and the Terrors will fancy their chances of making life uncomfortable for the champions in front of their own fans.
Celtic though come into this one with real momentum. The Scottish Premiership title is already looking like it could be heading back to Parkhead at the end of the campaign if their early performances are anything to go by, and the cup competitions represent a chance to build something even bigger this term.
Rodgers has spoken previously about wanting genuine competition for places throughout his squad, and evenings like this one are exactly when fringe players and new signings get the opportunity to stake their claim. Both Baur and Hassan will know that a strong showing tonight could go a long way towards forcing their way into the manager’s regular thinking.
For Dundee United, the cup offers a different kind of motivation. Back in the top flight and looking to re-establish themselves as a force in Scottish football, knocking out the champions would send a serious statement of intent. Their own supporters will be roaring them on from the off, and that kind of atmosphere can make a real difference in one-off knockout ties.
All eyes will be on Tannadice to see whether Celtic continue their winning ways or whether Dundee United can pull off one of the results of the round.