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SPL Match Preview : Hearts v Celtic

3 is the magic number.
Well not quite in this instance.
After defeats to Benfica and Inverness Bella Caledonia, ย Celtic are looking to avoid a dreaded 3rd defeat in row.
And avoid it they shall!

You thought we were gonna go down the doom and gloom road there didnt you, nope, no way, no sirree!

The moaning fans storm in a teacup needs no more coverage bar the amazing realisation that even Hugh Keevins and Ian McCall dismissed it as non story on Radio Clyde Superscoreboard. McCall to be fair made the excellent point that if anything would have forced Lenny to consider leaving Celtic it would have been the physical attacks and postal threats not some wee guy shouting “Sellick your pish! Get a grip!”

The wee outburst though could do the Manager and team a world of good. Its a handy wee prompt to help them all focus. Theres nowt better to help players focus than them being asked at every press conference “Is there a problem with players mentality in SPL games?” ( dont ever discuss this with Sammi btw!). You can bet they arent thinking of Spartak now.

Reflecting on the weekend, The defeat to Inverness was disappointing for a few reasons. The loss of points, the poor showing but personally most of all for the lack of change shown by the boss.

So many questions were being asked before and after the game :

  • Was Mulgrew really fully fit after being taken off midweek?
  • Why dont we have 4 central defenders?, 4 real central defenders not a few true centre backs and some make-dos?
  • No fatigue lingering for Sammi?
  • Is Lustig and Matthews really the answer on both flanks or could young Chalmers have stepped in?
  • Is Hooper match fit? Broony a sub…is this good for his condition?
  • Actually including Broony, is including him a slap in the face to our fit, available and VERY patient squad players?
  • Will Miku ever get a run in the side?
  • Are we putting too much pressure on Tony Watt?

Only Lenny knows the answers and given the improvement of Celtic under his leadership then its fair to say that everyone should be confident we wont be asking such questions for very long.

Hopefully we should start seeing a few Clinic based players come back soon. Izzy could be back for the Arbroath cup game at the weekend and possibly even show in the Spartak game. This will allow Adam Matthews or Mikel Lustig to get a break and both could do with a rest given their excellent efforts recently. Tonight though they will both be expected to once again step up.

Big Fraser will be in goal with Efe Ambrose and hopefully Kelvin Wilson directly in front. It is said that Charlie Mulgrew has a virus and should miss out but would anyone be that surprised if he gulps down some night nurse and appears on the park to deliver those vital set pieces. The flanks have been covered and that then brings us to midfield.

Beram Kayal did well at the weekend despite the side losing and he and big Victor should be in the middle. Sammi should appear and rumours bound that Skoosh will take another Mr Myagi Magic rub and play tonight. While Brown is our heart and drive and leads by example, this sort of patching up of the infirm isnt really what we want to see, even if it is our inspriring captain. Havent we got enough decent FULLY FIT midfielders available to put 4 reliable guys in the middle of the park?

Granted we have injuries to James Forrest and Joe Ledley but when we find ourselves considering appearances by Brown and Mulgrew despite injuries and recent showings it doesnt say much for Paddy or the youngsters hoping to step up to the plate. Lenny did say himself that the fringe players would have to deliver, its a bit hard to deliver if he wont call them up in the first place.

Up front, it will probably be Hooper and Watt starting again. Lenny might consider Commons in behind Hooper and bringing Watt on a little later. We of course have Miku and Lassad available and they could appear near the end. Starting wise the chances are both of these quality stylish players will find themselves lining up against Arbroath at the Weekend. Not quite the same as facing Real Madrid eh?

As for Hearts, well you know what your gonna get. Manager John McGlynn has warned his players of a possible Celtic backlash but he will be heartened by Caleys recent handling of the Hoops. McGlynn will no doubt instruct his players to show heart(!), determination and confidence in their tight knitted home stadium. Talking of that stadium, Lenny should also remember that he doesnt have Allan Thomson at hand in case any Hearts fans try and warmly shake his hand again. One thing Lenny will have is the Green Brigade back and it will be good to hopefully hear the lhads sing the Bhoys on the way to a victory.

The Cup game at the weekend is an obvious rest period before Spartak next week so there is no excuse for Celtic not to go full pelt tonight. The players also know there will be no acceptance of any excuses regards lacking Focus on the here and now. The game will be tough, dogged and scrappy. Celtic just need to keep their cool and our quality will eventually tell. Just play like we did at Pittodrie a few weeks ago, lull the home side in and then strike them down with touches of class. Its a simple game after all.

Etims Prediction

Hearts 0 : 2 Celtic ( Sammi 32mins, Miku 82 mins)

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11 years ago

Heard/read somewhere that the Rev.Willie(5th)Collum(aka Celtics opposing teams best player)is the M.I.B. tonight; that has to be at least 1 penalty to Hearts. Hail.Hail. G.B.N.L.

Bondi B.
11 years ago

4-0 & a penelty saved: good result, I only got the match report , any news re the Green Brigade “backing” of the team at Shitecastle the night?

11 years ago

Who knows and who cares?
Like Ambrose, Wilson, Rogne & Mulgrew?
Maybe an off day?
Mibbees aye mibbees naw!
Not yet.
No because he is the club captain.
Probably not.
Possibly.

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