It's not exactly boom or bust for Celtic on Thursday night as they entertain Real Betis.
Ange Postecoglou has committed to resting some key players in the Europa League clash, which will have no bearing on the end result of this season's continental campaign.
Manuel Pellegrini's Betis progress to the knockouts at the Hoops' expense but wins over Ferencvaros mean the Parkhead side have the safety net of the Europa Conference League in the New Year.
There's still a cash incentive on the line however and a stern-faced Postecoglou will have to balance risk versus reward for his team selection as he put his squad through their paces on matchday minus one.
His players were in a far more jovial mood, particularly star striker Kyogo who seems unfazed by recent criticism for a supposed penchant for diving.
Here are five things we spotted from the Wednesday session up at Lennoxtown.
5 things we spotted
Bothered?
He's been in the crosshairs of pundits aplenty and Postecoglou saw fit to publicly defend Kyogo after being accused of play acting from some quarters.
But the player didn't seem ruffled in the slightest as he prepared for another big Europa League night.
Two goals and three assists in four appearances is some going for his first ever European campaign but he could be given a rest against Betis.
With Giorgos Giakoumakis out however that leaves Albian Ajeti as the other option up top and amid rumours of an exit is that a worthwhile route to go down when there's still financial incentive for a win?
The cash for a victory could be the difference between recruiting another quality striker to lighten the load in January.
It's a fine line and one Postecoglou will be wary of treading.
Back in action
Stephen Welsh will return for Celtic against Betis and that's mighty good news for the manager that at least one of the three injuries suffered against Hearts will do no further damage.
He could make a start or be benched with Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers available.
Arguably Welsh is the one needing a breather. He's been playing non-stop even before those two signed and his involvement goes all the way back to the very earliest European qualifiers.
Welsh is perhaps the closest the club now have to departed Scott Brown or Kieran Tierney with their permanent short sleeves even in the closest temperatures.
While team-mates bundle up in hats, jackets, compression tights and the odd snood, just a thin baselayer and t-shirt will do for the 21-year-old though he's just short of KT and Broony's bare armed bravado, which these days seems ultra-rare.
If he can continue to kick on and become half as good a player as either of those two, supporters will be very pleased indeed.
Poker face
There was once an assertion by one of his former Brisbane Roar players that it was rare to catch Postecoglou smiling at training.
Recent months have proven that to be nonsense.
But the Aussie sure had his serious face on on Wednesday, perhaps after giving Kyogo's critics a good dressing down in front of the cameras.
He'll also know it will be a fine balance against the Spaniards between getting a result to send the 60,000 home happy and giving key men a very well-earned rest.
Betis warmed up for this one by downing Barcelona in their own back yard and an almighty task awaits - but one that doesn't really have grave consequences if Celtic come up just short.
Hendo loving it
There was nothing glum about Ewan Henderson however as he was snapped beaming during a run as Postecoglou runs the rule over another Parkhead youngster.
Well, perhaps that label is a little old. But the 21-year-old has hardly been afforded the same kinds of chances as his comrades.
While the likes of Adam Montgomery and Stephen Welsh have more than integrated themselves into the first team, often due to neccessity, there's a sense Henderson has been in Parkhead purgatory.
A little too old for the B team malarkey but just not able to break through into that midfield trio for the first team either.
It's a rough spot but if Henderson isn't happy about it then he isn't up for showing it.
He had the cheeser of a lad loving life and, who knows, maybe an opportunity could come on Thursday night.
Hat tip
Croatian right-back Josip Juranovic definitely goes down as a hit thus far since his move from Legia Warsaw.
Finally flipping over from the left to his more natural side after Anthony Ralston's unfortunate injury he's one that may not catch a rest this midweek.
Juranovic won't be bothered though and he's got a cheeky side as everyone saw with his pulse-racing Panenka against Bayer Leverkusen last time out in the competition.
We're not so sure if this new method of wearing a hat will quite take off, though.
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