Tonight sees Celtic in action against group leaders and Norwegian champions Molde. Unarguably, they have surprised a few experts with their table topping position, and as a result, Celtic need to be a wee bit cautious tonight.
For instance, with Oscar Pistorious now out on house arrest, if you were a lass invited back for dinner, you’d go to the toilet before you arrived, wouldn’t you ? eliminate the risk
It just makes sense.
Thats what Celtic need to do in this Europa game.
Play with the heid, and not the heart.
They proved in Qarabag that they can do it, and now they need to prove they can do it again.
Horses, as they say, for courses.
So, lets look at the stats first of all, before we decide on how to play this game.
Molde have kept a clean sheet in 2 of their last 5 home European games, going on to win 1 and draw 1 of these matches.
Molde have failed to score in 1 of their last 5 home European games, going on to draw 1 and lose 0 of these matches.
Celtic have kept a clean sheet in 1 of their last 20 away European games, going on to win 0 and draw 1 of these matches.
Celtic have failed to score in 7 of their last 20 away European games, going on to draw 1 and lose 6 of these matches.
What is there to think about ? Ambrose and Boyata are at this point our most capable and experienced back pairing. The Norwegian front two are quick, strong and mobile.
So are those two. Ambrose, like many other defenders makes mistakes. But ambrose, like many defenders , is also capable of playing a blinder. We need to be brave and gamble on him. Boyata has improved considrably since his first few games, and importantly, the two of them offer a threat at set pieces when Celtic have the chance to put the ball into the box. If they can win it, and either head toward goal, or even knock it down for Griffiths, then we increase our chances of that extra , possibly match winning goal.
The two in front of the defence picks itself, Scott Brown and Nir Biton, and they should offer the prtection that the two centre halfs need. That is no reflection on Boyata or Ambrose, it’s just the way it is. By blocking passes, or slowing down attacks, they allow the defence to regroup and make counter attacking difficult.
Then we come to the player directly in front of them. Stefan johansen now says his back is better, and he is relishing the game. He also has a tendency to get booked, and the norwegians will know all about his temperament. Can he be trusted to keep the heid ?
He’s going to have to be. Tonight requires a lot of work from the front three midfielders, and he’s far and away our most energetic. Stuart Armstrong is also a grafter, and he has an eye for goal, so he should be on the right, while Kris Commons, although maybe not the hardest worker, is also our best chance of creating something from either a set piece or a counter attacking move. When he’s knackered, we can always utilise the pace of Gary Mackay Steven, who should improve now his buddy is back in the team, against what hopefully will be a tiring Norwegian defence and midfield.
Then there’s the straight choice between Griffiths and Ciftci. Griffiths hard working style and eye for goal make him the obvious first choice, especially with his knack of catching defenders cold and scoring early. Ciftci , though, who has found his scoring boots, could also be used later to batter a tiring defence.
You might argue that there should be a place for Tom Rogic, and to an extent you’d be right, especially given Johansens poor run of form. Could Deila spring a surprise and leave johansen on the bench, again to run at a tiring midfield and defence later on ?
It’s not a bad idea, and I’d be tempted to give it a go, but i’ve a feeling that if players are being asked to keep the heid, so should the manager, and that hints he’ll go with the tried and tested players in his tried and tested style.
Manager Deila, thankfully played down all the hype surrounding his return to norway, in a quiet, measured way that should really have been the way Stefn Johansen dealt with it;
“I haven’t thought about it (going back) for one second. It would be different if I was going back to Stromsgodset or Odd, where I am from.
“Going to Molde feels like another step in a long season. But maybe it will feel more special when the game comes around.
“Celtic are a big thing in Norway as well. It’s going to be a good game. It will be interesting to see what we can get out if it.”
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Keep the heid and a win by the odd goal in five is how i think it will turn out.
And then we are back in the game.
The match officials for tonight are as the following;
Group A, 22 October 2015, 21:05 CET
Molde Stadion, Molde (NOR)
Molde – Celtic
Referee: Vladislav Bezborodov (RUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Nikolai Gobulev (RUS)
Assistant Referee 2: Maksim Gavrilin (RUS)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Sergey Ivanov (RUS)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Igor Fedotov (RUS)
Fourth Official: Aleksei Lebedev (RUS)
UEFA Referee Observer: Michel Praux (BEL)
UEFA Delegate: Jozef Kliment (SVK)
Note the kick off time, its 21.05, a problem for those of us who’s clocks only go up to twelve. By the way, it’s European time, and five past eight over here.
Bezborodov is a former professional footballer, which is unusual in referees, who tended to spend most of their previous lives having their dinner money taken off them by big boys and running to the teacher.
As a player, he played for Zenit St. Petersburg, Dynamo St. Petersburg, Dinamo Minsk, and Ventspils. He took a six-year break from football after 5 matches for Zenit in 1991 to study in the United States, where he earned a degree in sports management and business administration.[1] He made his return to Russia in 1998 with Dynamo St. Petersburg in the Russian Second Division.[2] His father Yuri Bezborodov played professionally in 1960s and 1970s for FC Irtysh Omsk and FC Dynamo Leningrad.
Bezborodov became a FIFA referee in 2009.[3] He was selected as one of three Russian referees in the summer of 2010, alongside Maksim Layushkin and Stanislav Sukhina, to work UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches for the upcoming season. Starting in 2012, he officiated in 2014 World Cup qualifying, taking charge of the match between theCzech Republic and Bulgaria.[4]
We might have got a good one for a change. Be worth noting his peformance when the debate over domestic referees fires up again, the next time one of those delicate flowers over at ibrox gets kicked, and maybe use it to encourage the next generation of referees to actually have a wee bit of experience in playing the game, as opposed to reading about it.
Oh hang on, thats already happening in Scotland, didn’t the ref who awarded a penalty to Second Rangers the other day used to play for, er Rangers ?
Speaking of refs, how about this for a referees match report ?
They do put up with a lot, especially at the lower levels. So a little sympathy sometimes wouldn’t be out of order.
Well, only a little.
Yesterday was Back To The Future day, the day that Michael J fox and Chrisopher Lloyd travelled to in the eighties comedy. The interest in the movie has sparked talk of another sequel, and we at Etims have been handed the plot details..
I remember going to the pictures to watch the original, and thinking
” oh god, he’s going to end up in bed with his mother. “
Happily, the usher spotted what they were up to and flung them out.
One or two of you may have noticed that the recent quizzes and picture competitions have been a little too easy.
Not as easy as this one, right enough.
But is this one easy ?
whats the occasion here ?
Is that when Celtic won BBC’s Quizball? About 1970 I think.
It will be a tough game tonight but we should look on it as a cup final of sorts. As this group is so tight, a win and we have one foot in the next round.
Everything’s spot on, though I think there’ll be fewer goals then you’re predicting. Also surely Armstrong out on the left not the right?
Quizball. 1967?
Correct bob and did you they took it off air as celtic won everyone of them
Good stuff again Ralph agree with the line up except for one change I would make.
I don’t think either Armstrong or Rogic have played so well last 2 games and whilst Johansen has not been up to the level of last Season he still has contributed positively to the attack and in defence when required.
This game needs cool heads and players with a bit of experience I think and so with that in mind I would bring Anthony Stokes back in tonight to play out on the left.
I know he is not on Ronnies radar now most weeks but the fact remains he has proven many times both in the League and in Europe a very good outlet out wide on the left in front of Izzy.
He does track back and he can produce a decent ball in from set piece or or the by line.
I think that 3 ie Commons Johansen and Stokes could switch and mix things up in behind Griffiths plus also provide a goal threat themselves when the chance drops as all three have decent scoring records.
If he has travelled I think he should start.
I believe if he does he will desperate to make a statement of intent to prove the Manager wrong.
My side would be:
.
……………GORDON
.
LUSTIG BOYATA AMBROSE IZAGUIRRE
.
……..BROWN .. BITTON
.
…COMMONS .. JOHANSEN.. STOKES
.
…………..GRIFFITHS
.
Subs: Bailly Janko Blackett Armstrong GM-S Rogic Ciftci
I might have to leave it to Monti who will undoubtedly have a thing or two to say, but Stokes is a surprise from you mate; I thought you had GMS in that berth yesterday and I think it’s him or Armstrong on the left, otherwise exactly as you say. Maybe Jozo if he’s fit, only the manager knows.
On your debate yesterday about stating intent for winning trophies, I accept he’s being honest about his purpose but also feel it can be used to fire up opponents. I preferred the MON approach where he told everyone who would listen that Rangers were miles ahead, but in the dressing room he made them all believe who was the better team. Diplomacy in front of the cameras, “Get into them” within the confines of the dressing room.
You should watch this video of Deila giving a lecture in Norway:
https://youtu.be/jXCgwKAH1Uw
I prefer Deilas approach Gerry he’s honest ,open and set in what he perceives our Club should be looking to achieve.
Every Celtic side should be looking at a treble before a ball is kicked I think at the start of any Season but that is not to say that will be achieved as it is a difficult thing to attain.
It should not stop us trying though and all he has done is set the stall out as to where he thinks our players should be aiming?
I happen to think putting an end to any speculation is the best option.
We are capable of a treble that’s the bottom line.
I would play GM-S if Forrest was fit as I think 2 wingers gives you better balance than 1.
With 1 winger you tend to channel all your play down one side I feel and you become a bit predictable and over reliant on him to get round a defence.
I happen to think Armstrong is a few games off 100% and Stokes has the experience and determination to put in a performance given the chance as he has fallen out of the picture this season.
Well put Gerry!
dont know what the occasion is but as usual greig is trying to break a leg
2-1 for the good guys tonight hail hail
” Ambrose is capable of playing a blinder “?
Not that I’ve witnessed.
You do understand that Ambrose playing a blinder, means watching through the cracks of your fingers and noting at that point the inevitable mistake hasn’t came yet?
Hopefully Simunovic is fit and the Circus clown that is Ambrose is on the bench, I wouldn’t even put him on the bench.
He’s the best header of the ball we have in defence,he’s quick and able to break from deep,his passing is normally solid and he has proven on many more occasions than not he can cope at the top level.
Simanuvic has had one outing in a Celtic top did “ok” and now he’s the answer coming back off an extended injury lay off?
Aye right.
Efe would be the first choice of the 4 CB’s we have available right now for me.
Hands down.
Boyata has looked nervous and clumsy at times.
Simunovic has hardly kicked a ball in 2 months
Blackett whilst looking solid on and off has yet to prove anything.
Ambrose has nearly 150 games under his belt at Celtic 34 in Europe and has played in some crucial games for us putting in a solid shift..Barca at CP being one of them.
Oh and he’s also a regular and winner at International Level.
Which is more than can be said for the rest mentioned.
Yep he has had his issues but I like many think he get’s way more stick than he is due at Celtic.
Mistakes do happen that’s football.
“He’s the best header of the ball we have in defence”?
Yeah that was a really good header back to Gordon in the Fenerbahce game wasn’t it?
You mock me for wanting to play Simunovic because he has been out injured, yet you would play Stokes who hasn’t kicked a ball this season?
As for Stokes having the motivation, is that the same motivation as he had at Tannadice…where he didn’t try a leg?
Your arguments are as weak as an Efe Ambrose defensive header!
He has had about 10 quality clearing headers in the past 4 games.
One absolutely shite headed backpass in that time and base his heading ability on that?
Wise up.
Stokes is not injured trains every day and is ready for selection.
He has ability,skill and tracks back when need be.
He also has a great coss and is effective from a set piece.
He has also plenty experience of this type of game in Europe.
Opinions are like arseholes Monti we all have them.
No need to bring Deadhead into the debate Charlie, if you don’t accept my argument for not including Ambrose then fine, but I think you will find that the Celtic support to a man, do not trust Ambrose.
The evidence for this mistrust is there for all to see…..so on you go Charlie, tell all the Celtic fans they are wrong.
With respect Charlie, Stokes has played 27 times in Europe for Celtic. 2 goals! Not good stats for a striker. The big stage doesn’t seem to suit him.
@Jim the tim
With all due respect Jim Stokes has never been an out and out finisher he’s always played better in the supporting role… his 2 crosses to Hooper at Hampden ,his traickery and pass to Forrest against Shakhter to secure the win.
He has the ability as well as the technique to trouble most defenders when on his game.
Charlie I kinda get what your saying but in the same time period he was quite prolific domestically. 165 games, 74 goals. He just never seemed to cut it in Europe.
Molde 1 Celtic 2 if Simunovic is fit
Molde 3 Celtic 2 if Ambrose starts.
stokes is a clown, dont want him anywhere near the team ever again……… give scott allan his full debut if fit… the lad can play….. thought rogic was poor on saturday and johansen will be sent off after 7mins trying to prove a point to his norwegian pals
Mornin’…
Too many facts for this auld guy to take in…but well put together none the less.
As for tonight…
Stokes..??..no way…Total waste of a jersey.
Collins said Jozo won’t start the game..make of that what you will.
Big Efe can be very good…but he comes with “baggage”…I can only hope that Kennedy has given him “extra coaching” on the duff bits of his game…( now there’s an opening for all Efe haters)
I’ve given up forecasting us in Europe…ach whit the Hell…
2-1 the Bhoys.
Hail hail
What’s with this ‘tried and trusted’ nonsense? Haven’t people on here been bitching about picking favourites and people playing because of stature and not form?
Get the best team out there based on how they’re currently playing.
Cole signed for Celtic
What? Sheryl?
Well, she is worth it after all.
Spectrum, you have no chance with her, her name is Cheryl!!! 🙂
Oh dear, just checked Carlton Coles record in Europe. At club level only 4 appearances Nil goals. For England, 7 caps nil goals.
To be fair he spent a lot of time with clubs who don’t qualify for Euro comps.
He isn’t eligible for Europe anyway.
Morto, He could be added to the squad in Jan 2016 same as Guidetti last season.
Stokes in? Seriously? Jeez. Why not just pick Boerrigiter and be done with? Mind Ronnie has previous of wild selections in key games – Berget, dropping Izzy in CL qualifier this season, so yeah, Stokes, why not. I wouldnt put Efe as no 1 centre back – have we really fallen that fasr – but I dont have him as the total bombscare others do either – he can have good moments and very bad moments, I just wish he could rebalance the two slightly, as he did when he first came.
I dont make predictions on games generally unless I have wee gut feeling, although i ll be vey pleasnatly surprised if we manage to keep a clean sheet. If we even only concede 1 away that might represnt some sort of progress, so fingers crossed
That would be Beget who fired Malmo to CL games and won last night?
I said at the time the guy had something to offer on another Forum and folk laughed at the idea..no laughing now though eh?
I agree on Efe and I do feel the mistakes he was making he has to a large extent cut that issue out of his game El.
His mani issue I felt was when playing on the right he had a tendency to cut inside too often and this was his downfall as attackers read this and would nick the ball regularly.
His heading was Big Dan Majesque when he arrived a heid like a 10 bob bit’ but I think he has worked hard on both aspects.
I think playing him left of the Central pairing has actually helped as he has no need to cut inside now as the pass is now on his stronger side now.
Thing is because he has had blunders any mistake now no matter how trivial is condemned in an instant as “bombscare”.
Craig Gordon has cost us as many important goals in big games since his arrival as Efe has?
Yet no one is in perma rage when he does?
Playes will make mistakes that’s just a fact of life problem is for a defender it generally cost more than say someone up the park.
It would yeah, the one who signed for us that day and had never met his team mates before. That one.
If you read back some threads, I have asked for Bailly to be given a chance in place of Gordon!
Sorry to burst your wee bubble!
I was referring to fans in a wider sense Monti it’s not all about you mate.
Effe and Izzy have got to go Charlie the whole team is starting to be affected by their inability to defend. After tonight I doubt you will see either in aCeltic jersey again . If you do even I will start to question Ronnie.
so what is ronnys thought process with cole? on a near 2 year deal? are we changing to 2 strikers? or are we going to drop goal a game griffiths?? strange conidering we also have ciftci… and young nesbitt if we have an injury…. bizarre signing!!!!
Apparently, he’s also a useful centre-half!
Who Deila?
bgbhoy,
Maybe Cole will play right up front with Griffiths deployed in one of the holes behind?
If it was me I would play Cole and Griffiths together, although I have sympathy for big Ciftci…I do rate Ciftci, just needs more game time.
too many so called fans are just waiting for Ambrose to make a mistake so they can slate the guy ! he has played many great games but folk overlook this cause of the mistakes he has made
Spot on Samaras used to get the same shite when he was here.
Wish we had big Sammy playing tonight.
Great out ball was a player transformed when Lenny shifted him out on the left.
Like Stokes far more productive facing the goals than with his back to them.
Jim,
Samaras turned into a useful player for us and I was sad to see him leave.
For a while though previous to that, he wasn’t doing a job for us.
Those two goals against the Huns at the Reichstag will always stay with me!
Selkirk Casual,
If you are talking about me then you are wildly wrong.
No one wants or wanted Ambrose to be shite..He just is!
jo inge berget was one of the worst players i have ever seen in a celtic shirt, utterley utterley garbage…. im not caring he scored a couple of goals against us he was minging in a celtic jesey and a horrendus trainer into the bargain!!! he was signed as an emergency and never seen again after 2 horrific performances in the ucl qualifiers
EXACTLY!
Yet there he is playing Real and PSG in the Champions League.
Welcome to Paradise Carlton Cole!
Good stuff. Monti, I don’t trust Ambrose but he’s now the best we have. Lustig is a better full back than central defender. Simunovic is unproven. Ambrose can sometimes play very well. He is easily the best header of the ball we have.
Stokes? He used to play some great stuff on the left and set goals up. I could go with it. Remember when he paired well with Griffiths? It will be a tough match but I think we can nick it by a goal.
Face it, Ambrose will give you a rush, make your heart beat faster and make you reach for your meds. Keep something spare behind the sofa. Limber up your fingers for peering through. Enjoy!!!
Devoy,
Simunovic IS proven, playing for Dynamo Zagreb, if he is fit he must play.
Talk of Stokes playing is simply nonsense, he doesn’t get near the team domestically never mind on a European night.
Ambrose doesn’t give me a rush…..more a rash!
Devoy,
He has let us down when it matters most, it is laughable this guy is on the team bus FFS!
i would have more issues with stokes being in the team than ambrose… ambrose gives 100% it might not always be to our benefit but he always tries…. stokes on the other hand is just a horrible excuse for a person never mind a footballer… the fact he is up for assualting a guy in dublin is enough for me to have him thrwon out the door!!! should of happned years ago… charlie saiz… these performances you mention of stokes where 2 and 3 years ago!!!!!
Just for the record, if Ambrose plays tonight and get’s man of the match, in a Celtic win, there will be no one happier than me about that.
So whoever is picked to play, go out and win and make the club proud!
HH!
Is it too early to crack open my first bottle for the build up?
Too late I’m off. Stand by Charlie & the Bhoys, Wolfetones and Glen Daly (RIP)
Jim,
‘ The Lonesome Boatman ‘ at max Volume does it for me!
Hail Hail!
And me. Class tune
It’s very ‘haunting’ Ralph, except when the Green Brigade do it! 🙂
Get a bit of ‘ Fianna ‘ in your collection Jim….class!
I don’t know why Monti, but the one that gets me going is 4 leaf clover. Can’t listen to it without the tears streaming down my face.
Charlie Saiz,
We can’t play Stokes tonight mate, Molde have a guy in their side who looks like Elvis!
Uhu….
Stokes plays and sets up the winner for Efe I will no doubt see you crying in the chapel Monti 😉
It’s taken me an hour and a half to get that joke! 🙂 Sorry, it’s just me I’m on the wine.
He’s a part – timer too…
Works down the chip shop two days a week.
We are a certainty, remember i said that! I dont care what anybody says, ive had a few and its a grand old team to play for………….
Happy with the team selection. Can never be confident with us in any away European game but hopeful we can get a narrow victory. Sadly my prediction is 1-1. Hope I’m wrong. Coybig
Me too, happy Commons is starting.
I’m off to BT Bhoys, hope we all enjoy the game.
HH
COYBIG!!!!
UTTER FUCKING SHAMBLES!!
Two attacks, two goals, meanwhile up the other end its trying to walk the ball into the net one minute or blazing it miles over the bar the next minute. You can maybe get away with that in the SPL but not on the euro scene, time to pack your bags Ronny and the rest of the coaching staff, you’ve turned us into “easy meat” in Europe!!
So Ronny lovers is he still the man to take us forward?? It’s A fucking shambles and if you back deila yous are also clowns
How many managers get sacked when they are top of the league In all cup competitions . Why don’t we sack some players instead starting with Ambrose and Izaguirre
Biton was brilliant tonight Johansen was sh ”! Sack him too . John Kennedy is the defensive coach what is he being paid for? Get rid of the useless Celtic / ex Celtic men and let Ronnie pick his own staff. Armstrong did not kick a ball get rid? Goalkeeper was at fault for first goal at near post get rid. Griffiths is useless in Europe why is he playing. Commons should be sacked for gross misconduct on being subbed. Sack Brown for being a rotten captain . Now let’s get on with 10 in a row..
Ambrose and Izzy out ! We have transferred better young players ask The Staggies, they have picked up most of them.
If anyone defends the manager then I will hang up my keyboard. This is inexcusable
Whilst not defending the defence, remember the Molde keeper hasn’t had a save to make so far!!!!
I take that back!!
absolutely clueless pathetic performance
scott brown is the worst f*cking player in europe. deila,ambrose,izzy,desmond,liewell and many others – f*ck offfffff out of Celtic Park and never come back
Get it fucking up him commons. All the Ronny lovers lets hear what you have to say. This is the worst fucking ever. Fuck off now Ronny you wank.
Big boy playing along sides johansen makes him look a world beater!!
Commons only telling Ronny what we all think, he’s been the only goal threat all night!! Even Sutton can’t believe johansen is still on the park!!
Give Ronny time. He will get it right bla bla bla. Eat your words!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bucksake. Delia is looking unattainable. Board wont do buck all. Raging,
That’s it I’ve stood by Ronny from the start. That’s it go away.
And tae think, they pick up 10,000 pounds + a week for dishing up that shite.
Johansen should be sold ASAP…and a few others can go after him.
This is actually an insult to the words “professional Footballer”..c*nts that cannae pass to a team-mate, c*nts that cross the ball to the back post when there’s naebody at the fekking back post!!, c*nts that cannae defend simple crosses, c*nts that cannae understand how to make a quick forward pass and just pass across the park giving the opposition time to get back in numbers, c*nts that don’t deserve the loyalty of us long suffering supporters.
There, I feel better already.
We were beat after 18 minutes.
Deila and your backroom staff just stay in Norway!
I’m really wanting to swear but I’m trying to not let myself down.
I am disillusioned!
Pish! We are going backwards rapidly. Just as well aberdeen have imploded.Ronnie has had his chance. Going back home he knew what to expect but he still didn’t have the tactical sense to know what to do.do honestly think that someone like Steve Evans could win the spl? To be honest the manager of Palmerston juniors could win the spl with the advantages celtic have at the moment. Champions league! We are are not Europa league standard. Kris Commons is right.
Monti, I’m raging too mate. But just remember these idiot managers & players are just passing through. We will survive.
It’s Ronny or Kris! Well one makes a fantastic contribution every game the other is a parasite that lives off the back of it and doesn’t realise it needs its host! I don’t ever want to see the Ronny Whimper again. The last 4 managers have been below average in capability and the fans are paying out top Dollar. Enough is enough. Forget the player spotting scouts and just take time to find the gem of a manager. Expensive wages, lennoxtown, youth academy, vast scouting network and what is the outcome. A team that would struggle in English league one.
Time to go Ronnie sorry but our great club has been embarrassed tonight AGAIN and the blame falls at your door son you haven’t got a fucking clue, stay in Norway your times up.