It’s Champions League night tonight, in case you’d forgotten, and although things are looking pretty grim on the European front, there’s still slight chance of playing on the continent after Christmas.
Though I wouldn’t start saving the pennies just yet.
Celtic need to win tonight to at least keep the door open for progression, and even that might not be enough.
Maybe though, with the pressure off a wee bit the team will find their confidence in front of goal, and kickstart the campaign. maybe saving a wee bit of pride.
On paper, it looks like a disastrous campaign, two defeats at home, one away and a solitary point on Donetsk when one could argue Shakhtar had an off day.
But it doesn’t feel like a disaster, the team have played well, the break of the ball just hasn’t gone our way.
Much has been made of our abysmal home record, something like seven defeats on the trot, and that’s got to change. Nothing is forever, especially in football, and if we are to put this right, then tonight is the night.
For years I’ve been harping on about making it more uncomfortable for visitors, and that’s what the club , as a whole, has to do.
Stop being nice to visitors, they’re taking advantage of us.
It’s all very well being lauded throughout the continent for a special atmosphere, and having a wonderful, respectful support, but that doesn’t win matches, so whilst I’m not advocating slapping the opposition players with a big goalie glove as they emerge from the tunnel, I’m sure we can be a bit more intimidating.
Looking ahead to the game, I’m expecting Celtic to fire on all cylinders, the Hearts game was a major bonding event in the face of adversity, and a close knit group of players will have been drawn even closer.
Even Ange got excited….
Four or five nil to the hoops is a conservative prediction if the players play the way they can, and the support gets behind them.
That’s not to say the support shouldn’t also intimidate the Ukranians, there is a difference.
A convincing win may set us up for a history making result in Madrid, but perhaps i’m getting ahead of myself here, and maybe we should face reality, in that we’re not at this level just yet.
Except, for a few chances missed, a few mistakes made, and some injuries to key players, we have proved we can compete, and there is consolation in that even if things don;t go our way, there is much to look forward to.
Speaking of injuries, they don’t make them like they used to…
We are due a good result. Though I’d like to think I’m basing my optimism on something more than the law of averages.
To balance what some may seem as my green tinted glasses, let’s look at what the Daily Record journalists think….
KEITH JACKSON
THIS fixture always looked like being Celtic’s best chance of banking three Group F points and the rampant form Ange Postecoglou’s side are in ahead of a visit from Shakhtar bodes well. The Ukrainians are slick and dangerous on the counter-attack but an early goal for the home side could set the tempo for a first Champions League win.
CELTIC 3 SHAKHTAR 1
GAVIN BERRY
There is pressure going into this one on boss Postecoglou as it’s their best chance of victory of all six Group F fixtures. It can’t be another hard-luck story and it won’t be – the signs have been positive on this stage without the result but this can be the night it comes together.
CELTIC 3 SHAKHTAR 1
MICHAEL GANNON
Celtic will fancy their chances of a first group win in the competition this season but this one is fraught with danger. Shakhtar are counter-attacking masters and they could really punish the Hoops
if they are allowed the space. Celts have the talent to cause problems themselves so it should be a wild night in Glasgow.
CELTIC 3 SHAKHTAR 2
ANDY NEWPORT
The Ukrainians were moments away from sealing a historic win over Real Madrid last time out so clearly aren’t to be treated lightly but it’s time Celtic stepped up and claimed the result that will keep them in the hunt for a Europa League place. With 14 goals in their last three games Postecoglou will hope his side are over the crippling self-doubt in front of goal that’s hampered their Euro campaign so far.
CELTIC 2 SHAKHAR 1
FRASER WILSON
It’s do or die for Celtic and in front of a pumped-up Parkhead crowd I strongly fancy them to do the business and claim the three points. The Hoops should have won the away tie given the chances they created. Find their Champions League shooting boots and their Europa League hopes could still be alive come 10pm.
CELTIC 2 SHAKHTAR 1
They think we’re going to win !
We’re doomed.
What time is Coronation Street on ? Or Eastenders ?
As for shakhtar, their gaffer knows what to expect…
We have our plan, but we must account for the energy from the start because all starts from Celtic are frenetic and high tempo.
“It’s tough to play against them. I spoke to some of the Real Madrid players who said the same.
“Remember in the first half against Real Madrid, Celtic had three chances and they might have led 3-0.
We have to make sure his best laid plans gang aglae….
Interestingly, as I write this, Rishi Sunak has been appointed Prime Minister, the third in a couple of months and the fifth since David Cameron decided to allow a referendum on exiting Europe.
After such a plethora of arseholes holding office, it’s perhaps symbolic that the latest one is an anagram of Hi Risk Anus.
Yesterday, we had this….
Today
Caption : ‘Twelve year old youth ruins Celtic’s pre-match huddle’.