Menu Close

Celtic have nothing to fear

And so here we go…a big OLD FIRM clash…a TITLE DECIDER…A CLASH OF THE TITANS

Aye, so it is.

Its basically just another league game, one where Celtic have to go over to the south west of the city and play at Ibrox against a ramshackle outfit of loan “aces” and over hyped up “stars”.

Thats it. No more than that.

I am hearing all the media attempts at “Celtic fans fear” nonsense but in truth, even though our form hasnt been dynamite,  the only thing we could possibly have to fear is fear itself. A colleague ( A Celtic leaning Dumbarton fan) accused me of wearing Green tinted glasses when I said “i have no doubts we will win on Sunday”, and so I duly gave him some information to back up my thoughts:

Consider the following:

Goals win games
Rangers have to win. Rangers have to score.
We drew 0-0 when we had an off day at Parkhead. Even when not in form they couldnt score against us.
They havent scored against us this season. Yip, thats right, No goals scored against us this season by them or Aberdeen. In big games, our defence comes good, regardless of who is present in whatever position.

Travel Sickness??
We already have 3 wins in a row at Ibrox under Brendan. We have nothing to fear about playing in such a “Blue cauldron of hate”, in fact that fear will more than likely hit the Rangers players but more on that a little later.

Like for like…
Im just saying...
James Forrest vs Andy Halliday
Dembele vs Russell Martin
Broony vs their whole midfield

The Graeme Murty hoodoo
So far Murty hasn’t been beaten by Brendans Celtic ( or beaten us – Ed!). He has managed 2 draws. Both highly forgettable games. The difference in this one is vast..in this one, Rangers must play for the win.

What tactics will Murty go for?..remember this is new ground for the rookie manager who was always tasked with steadying the ship, not storming it into battle..

Does he resort to same as before and contain Celtic, or does he unleash this highly heralded Rangers strike force we keep hearing about and forget about curtailing attacking opposition players such as Dembele, Forrest, Rogic, Sinclair, MacGregor, Edouard and maybe even Paddy Roberts.

It reminds me of how we used to get told how brilliant a striker Kris Boyd was when he was at Rangers, and sure enough then when he came up against Celtic (or in Europe), he was utter shite ( and no I still havent forgiven Artur Boruc for that mistake letting in Boyds passback!). Rangers might have some decent recent form in SPFL or in the cup against fodder but in truth it matters nowt until you step up and face the Champions.

Class is Permanent
Did anyone see Real Madrid vs PSG. The experienced Real Madrid took the games in their stride  despite being lambasted at home for poor la Liga form. Real  stepped up to the mark and showed how hype or pound\euro signs have never scored a goal. No amount of media lauding of PSG made any difference to the Real Madrid thoroughbreds. The Manager and side had been there, seen it, done it and promptly swatted away the irksome PSG fly as any quality horse would. Real controlled the tie and PSG were always looking like imposters up against true quality as the impressive Real put any worries about domestic form behind them and stood up and put PSG firmly in their place. Celtic will do the same on Sunday, of that I have no doubt.

Under Pressure
Like PSG, Rangers have been getting the big headlines and oh how the Press have loved touting them as serious Title contenders. As soon as the pressure was turned up a notch, PSG folded. I expect the same to happen to Rangers. Murty must play for the win. His players must take the game to Celtic. All of the Pressure is on Rangers ( despite any claims the Media try). The fans ( and players) havent helped ease this pressure any with that ridiculous cheering when drawing Celtic in the Cup semi-final. Cue more and more pressure with each and every minute that passes. Its the hope that kills.  Celtic have journeyed down this road many many times, after all they have players who can step up and score in the last minute of the Scottish Cup Final to win an unbeaten treble, Do you think rangers have players of such quality, personality and temperament, I dont? For every Celtic Full House, Rangers have Mr Matt the Face Painter..watch them fold.

Experience
Lots of folk are claiming Celtic will fall as they dont have Gordon and Lustig. There will certainly be a lot of changes, but more noticeably for the opposition. If you look back at the previous game at Ibrox, where Celtic won 2-0 and the stats are pretty bewildering, then you see there’s gonna be a helluva lot of Rangers guys experiencing this game for the first time…in comparison, despite a few changes, Celtic players have been there, albeit some stayed on the bench last time around but least they know whats in store compared to the new boys in blue.

For comparison sake, look at the last side when Rangers played Celtic at Ibrox, and compare to recent Rangers side vs Hearts.

CELTIC GAME

 

HEARTS GAME

 

 

Quite a number of changes there, including formation, so what will Mr Murty do and how will his new boys handle the pressure?

In comparison, look at Celtic side in last game at Ibrox

And the subs..

Again, we will see quite a few changes, especially Ajer in defence ( could Brendan risk Comperr in a 3 with Tierney pushed up to left mid\wingback?) but the majority of Celts have been to Ibrox on such occasions before so NtCham and De Vries shouldnt be in for any shocks.

Anyone worrying about the keeper should also note previous shots\save in last game…he might not be that busy, even against SuperWindass and MagicMorelos..Celtic figures are to the right…

 

 

Conclusion

The only team that can beat Celtic on Sunday, is Celtic.

I have no doubt that Brendan will want this game done and dusted quick and clinical. The side will be ready and professional and will sweep any pretenders away.

The referee Wullie Collum might try his best to dish out the cards but as long as Ajer keeps it cool and Broony guides us through the hacking then all should be fine.

After a few weeks misfiring, i just feel theres a goal coming from Tom Rogic at some point so thats where my money will be going and I hope wee Jamesy can get his goal too.

I reckon 2-0 once again and then we can all go for our Half time bovril.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
37 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mattgallscot
6 years ago

I have never like us being overly confident going into a Huns game. The rotten lot have not lost a game in a while, so their confidence will be up. To be honest if we get out of there with a 0-1 win I will be relieved.

TicToc
6 years ago
Reply to  Desi Mond

You succeeded! 🙂
HH

BJF
6 years ago

Desi spot on only Celtic can effect the regular. It does’t seem that long ago I watched Barry Robsin and Paul Hartley bully Rangers off the pitch ( mind you it was Rangers so it must have been a long time ago).
As someone who recalls Ian Ferguson running over and kicking Paul McStay and then the ref blew for the kick off it was a sight for sore eyes. Firstly yes it will be a real test for Murty completely different from his previous “ nothing to lose” situations. Secondly can anyone not see BR bring prepared, it has been a long time since he has had a week to work with the players and hopefully a few things have been sorted out. I would go with Ajer at RB and Compper in the middle, when Boyata comes back our defence will be far too strong domestically and if a new defender comes in the summer all the better for Europe. The Sinclair situation is less clear, the fixture could well bring the best out of him again.
Nervous about Sunday, I can hardly wait, the more hype the better, I believe that will get the best out of the Celtic players, we are the favourites but the pressure’s not on us.

6 years ago

Couldn’t agree more. Seven nil.

6 years ago
Reply to  ralph malph

Hahahaha excellent 3-1 celtic wae wee Charly scoring his first for the club HH

TicToc
6 years ago
Reply to  Only3Togo

Only3Togo, this looks a golden opportunity to let “wee Charly” run amok, and from the start. He’ll understand (later) that hammering this pretence of a club is so important to our supporters; to put the hun bastards in their ‘rightful’ place. Collum’s a rather poor Ref., but I don’t think he’ll look the ‘other way’ (as Beaton, Madden etc.) if the scum start hacking.
If Paddy’s fit I’d want him on at some point too.
A REAL Hunskelping in their own midden; BLISS, and another nail in their final coffin. I’ll go for 7-1 (no offence Ralph), it’ll bring back ‘happy’ memories of their absent, bastard parent(s).
HH

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  TicToc

TicToc,Station Bar,Jarvies,The Lovat still there.The Boundary is for sale,the Smugglers(Pure Hun pub) thankfully shut years ago.HH

Mike
6 years ago

I agree 100%, Our much maligned defence has conceded so far this season 18 goals, they have conceded 32, last season in total Celtic conceded 25 goals, our MUCH maligned defence being porous is rubbish.
Where Celtic have dropped points so far this season is mainly by drawing games..7 so far and by losing 2 games, how often in the past would we have been delighted with those stats.
The stats show that THEY have the porous defence especially at home, I fully expect Celtic to win well this Sunday our experienced players are Champions, while they are the Chumpions of Scottish football, a rag tag of loanees subsisting in the shadow of Glasgow Celtic.
Hail, Hail to the Champions of Scottish Football and here we go to 10 in a row.
Well written and a well headed statement of the facts of Celtic life.

Noelskytrot
6 years ago

Personally I think the agricultural type of football that many other SPFL play teams suits Sevco, but when you have teams that plays attacking football, the Ibrox team come up short as Hibs have proven twice. We obviously want to batter them but I just want to take 3 points and shut all the background noise of title challenges and leave them to deal with the increasing problems that are a norm for this mob. I think 2-1 will be the final result.

Morto
6 years ago

You can be sure they will make the playing surface as poor as possible to limit our attacking play but it won’t stop us winning.
It will be like the triple header with Motherwell.
We’ll win at the weekend and they will feel they underperformed (or the press will).
Round two, they will play a bit, better giving it their all, and still lose, maybe in extra time.
Round three, they will know who the best team is and fold completely for a proper rout.

CarlJungleBhoy
6 years ago

Nice one Desi!

As I’ve said elsewhere, if Celtic turn up, we win. Simple as that. We’ve seen before (the 3 draws e.g) that when we don’t turn up we’re there fpr the taking, but we’ve also seen often enough – Ibrox, Pittodrie, home to Bayern & Zenit – that BR is able to get us up for these types of matches. So, other than some appalling decisions – red for Broony? dubious penalties etc. which I certainly wouldn’t rule out, they’d need some huge stokes of luck to win. All WE have to do is play as well as we can.

BTW For no obvious reason, I have an inking (wishful thinking?) KT might get on the score sheet – I can already see the celebrations (worth a yellow card) in my head.:)

CarlJungleBhoy
6 years ago

*strokes not stokes 🙂

BJF
6 years ago

Mike I think you have called it right, something like 27 clean sheets this season including two in Europe, both victories, the progress ( how I love that word) is evident. Of course it plays havoc with some people’s patience or even nerve but back to
back trebles woukd add to “ the history.”

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  BJF

BJF I looked at the stats last week and was slightly but happily surprised, I made the same point that you made about it being the first time in ages that Brendan and the team will have a full week to prepare for this game and what a difference it will make.
There is not one player of there’s that I would take over ours, I really like young Ajer who has all the attributes to be a big star, this team domestically has always risen to the challenge and I firmly believe that they will be right up for this game. Back to back trebles if the mibs keep their sanity then we shall, (Just for You)
PROGRESS PROGRESS PROGRESS PROGRESS PROGRESS, ah that’s better.

Kris
6 years ago

Well it took them long enough!!!

If this is thu Rangurz actually starting to get on oor radar, then I welcome it. We re still 3 seasons ,at least, away from them catching a look at the title( no science in that number just thinking if we stood still for 3 yrs).

But think on this comrades.

We’re in a position to really strengthen, were on top and could still push 30m on a spending spree, buy a European class side. Jock had his 9IAR and changed fitba-they built a team that changed Scottish fitba in the 80/90s on the never nevrr but they dominated – both sides either didn’t build on dominance or simply the credit ran oot. This team we can build on the dominance

Kris
6 years ago

*time not team

TicToc
6 years ago

Desi Mond, “The only team that can beat Celtic on Sunday, is Celtic.”
My unshaking sentiments exactly. Well said.
It seemed to me that many of our supporters were falling for all that media dross, “they’re back” (or more correctly for the SMSM “we’re back” etc., in many cases whilst saying they don’t buy the SMSM. Odd, that!!
Let me make this absolutely clear; “they’re” not “back” and NEVER will be. They’re deid! FOR EVER. Jew’s foreskin, Gone, Offski, Deceased, History, Aye, fucking Deid and Good Riddance. May ‘god’ bless SDM for making such a cunt of it.
And the Gullibillies still, no doubt, lap him up. Brain-dead, Zombie shite.

Anyway, a terrific post.

Only negative is calling the new scum “Rangers” and even giving the said scum a capital “R”. How remiss of you!!
I refer you to an earlier part of my comment which begins “Let me make this absolutely clear;”
Come On You Bhoys In Green.
Go out and show we have no fear,
Of old club, new club, the scum we hear,
Trounce the filth, by 5 or 6,
Show them Tims and Pats and Micks,
Will always master orange pricks.
Fuck you scum, your queen and all your establishment, freemasonic, orange filth. Yer deid! Good Riddance.
Now join with me…..”In the name of the father…..”
HH

rebus67
6 years ago

Desi,
An excellent, well reasoned argument with a conclusion that I sincerely hope is accurate. However, if football results were determined purely by available resources, form and previous head-to-heads, it would not throw up results like Basel vs MC. Other factors come into play. The result of the game on Sunday will be influenced by some of these “other” factors. Firstly, the ref will be primed to punish Celtic more than Sevco for tackles. Sevco have several robust players who will set out to knock Celtic off their game by physical means. Forrest, in particular, will be targeted, as recently it is clear that if you stop him, Celtic make few chances. Sinclair, if he plays, will receive the treatment. He tends to disappear when this happens.
Both Brown and Kouassi(if he plays) will be penalised early in the game, as will one of the CB’s.
Secondly, Sevco must win this game; Celtic do not need to win. I do not think that the result will shape the League title but a win for Sevco will make them more attractive as an investment. Investment from new sources is vital for Sevco. If they look as if they could challenge for the title next season, then the potential pot of cash from the CL will be used as bait for new investment.
Celtic have only themselves to blame for this situation. Two poor draws against them, plus a lack of investment in the key areas of defence and goalkeeping, have given Sevco hope.

Rebus

Macca
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Great post. On the money Rebus

rebus67
6 years ago

Post gone missing. Can it be retrieved?

Rebus

TicToc
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Mine too, and it’s bigger and better than yours, so there! 🙂
HH

rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  TicToc

TT,

Right, that’s it! Round the back of the Lincoln Inn, I’ll sort you out! Bring a carry-out.

Rebus

TicToc
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Yer on, Big Mhan!! (except mibbaes no’ the Lincoln, I hear it’s gone to the dogs, or, er huns!)
What say, the back o’ the Dry Dock at the Kingsway?
You bring a carry-out too.
This could take some time! Hic. 🙂
HH

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  TicToc

The Dry Dock is now the Corryvreckan,TicToc,only got the lounge now.D.Mond,fine rip roaring piece.However,Sevco are not ramshackle,NicHole is running the show and Celtic better perform better than they have been.This will be a big test for us,no use kidding ourselves on.If Celtic lose,BR will really find out what criticism is,led mostly by Ralph…..I think it’ll be a draw.
P.S.Spot on about Real Madrid,pure class.Stated after the dopers beat us that they would not win the “champions ” league….they’re not feckin laughing now….

TicToc
6 years ago
Reply to  TicToc

Rob, that’s ‘wonderful’ to know.
I just ‘wonder’ why they changed (for some) the unpronouncable (when bladdered) name of Dry Dock to Corrywhateverthefuck it is.
Good on you, Rob. If you happen to be an electrician I may refer to you as a ‘bright spark’ in a vacuum.
Oh, BTW, Rob, last time I was ‘up the road’ The Forum had changed name too. Can’t remember what it changed to. FFS, is the Station Bar still that? Those three watering holes all ran busses to Paradise just a few years ago.
On Sunday? If the BHOYS don’t win by 3 or more goals, that bastard Lawwell is ‘getting at’ Brendan.
Cheers, Rob.
HH

Monti
6 years ago

Desi mond,
I enjoyed reading this, i think the improved sevco form wouldn’t be as much talked over had Celtic kept up last seasons form.
It’s made it interesting for sunday, there is no doubt as well that Murty has shot himself in the foot, going public with their dressing room reaction, i pray this haunts him at full time.

For me Celtic will win 1-3!

Monti
6 years ago

Celtic at the Reichstag 3-4-1-2

DeVries

Ajer
Simunovic
Compper

Tierney lwb
Forrest rwb
BROOOOONNNNYYYYY
Ntcham

McGregor

Dembele
Edouard

Time for a hunskelping Bhoys!

Charlienich
6 years ago

Brown v their entire midfield

2 nil and go for bovril at HT

still laughing, ta

Monti
6 years ago

I see Bilel ‘ Jar Jar Binks ‘ has joined Dundee utd on trial?

Mwahaha mwahaha Bowl?

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Sorry, Bilel ‘ Jar Jar Binks’ Moshni….

Noelskytrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

The state of that. How the fuck he was called a professional footballer is beyond me. The shenanigans against Motherwell were shocking. Liability.

BroxburnBhoy
6 years ago

If sevco have improved, the question is in relation to what? Yes they have strung a number of results together against mostly very poor teams ( Aberdeen apart who are unable to perform against sevco ). Hibs the best side they faced in this run turned them over at their own place or rather Close Brothers place. Celtic are a far better team, with a better manager and with far better players then sevco. The fact that they have built this game up into a must win and expected to win is pure stupidity. The idea that they are title challengers is preposterous and yet they believe it despite all the evidence to the contrary. It will be very tough for all of them when reality bites them come Sunday. The arrogance coming out of Close Brother’s stadium is amazing and the nonsense coming from pundits even worse. Celtic put this nonsense in perspective come Sunday.

portpower
6 years ago

Playing a sevco team at IOUbrox is like Scottish Football defeating itself.
K.C.(Kelly Clark)

portpower
6 years ago

Kristoffer Ajer for 1st and 3rd goal.
They corners`ll work with 2 on the penalty spot.

At sevco At.

portpower
6 years ago

Campbell Oligarchy Ogilvie shall take his seat today.

It`s widespread and open,their use of bribery. The Act of…SFA.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Celtic team for me today 343
De Vries
Ajer Jozo Compper
Forrest Ntcham Broony Tierney
Roberts Dembele Sinclair.
Subs Rogic, McGregor,Charley Bhoy, Edouard

Follow us on Twitter @ETimsNet