It all started 126 years ago today when<\/p>\n
” representatives from the upper echelons of the Irish community in Glasgow, most of whom who had witnessed John McFadden\u2019s speech back in February, gathered at St Mary\u2019s Hall.<\/p>\n
Bodies such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Catholic Union, the Irish Foresters, the Home Government Branch of the United Irish League, the St Aloysius Association and the Irish National League as well as local Penny Savings Bank and a Total Abstinence Society were present in some manner but the main objective was the formation of a football team to raise money for the Soup Kitchens of the East End. ”<\/p>\n
And the latest chapter in this long and illustrious clubs history will be written tonight in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
If Celtic win , then European football is guaranteed after Christmas. If Celtic win and Milan lose to Barcelona, then another win at home to Milan in the next game means a last sixteen place again, so i guess it doesn’t get more exciting, and nerve wracking than tonight.<\/p>\n
Manager Neil Lennon insists all the pressure is on Ajax;<\/p>\n
“It is a pressure game for Ajax,” said Lennon.<\/p>\n
“We can come here and, not be relaxed, but have a real go at the game.<\/p>\n
“If we are to progress we have to pick something up away but we don’t need to win.<\/p>\n
“If we can get a point and beat Milan at home that gives us seven points and gives us a real chance of qualifying.<\/p>\n
“I think it was important that we got some points on the board against Ajax in the last game.<\/p>\n
“But we are under no illusions as to how difficult this will be.<\/p>\n
“Ajax were very unfortunate not to beat Milan here in match day two.<\/p>\n
“I think the Champions League inspires players and gets the best out of them.<\/p>\n
“I hope that is the case for our players tonight.”<\/p>\n
Frank de boer, the Ajax boss, thinks his team will win;<\/p>\n
“We think we will succeed if we play the same as we did in Glasgow,” he said. “If you look at that match we had chances and a lot of good moments.<\/p>\n
“Celtic didn’t create any chances but scored twice and won the game.<\/p>\n
“They can be confident, they have had some good results in the last year, [beating] Barcelona for example, so they can be confident.<\/p>\n
“But I saw good things from my side in Glasgow so I also have confidence in my team that we can get three points here and then we are one point ahead [of Celtic].<\/p>\n
“It is a crucial game for us. For them, a draw is maybe enough so they can wait more than they did in Glasgow.<\/p>\n
“We have to force the game but we are in good shape to create chances and get the three points.”<\/p>\n
Its the forcing the game that will leave them vulnerable.<\/p>\n
Lennon will probably line up with his most trusted players, -the ones that are available, that is.<\/p>\n
Forster;<\/p>\n
Lustig, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izzageurre;<\/p>\n
Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew;<\/p>\n
Commons , Samaras;<\/p>\n
Stokes.<\/p>\n
And then its whoever feels well enough, or isn’t suspended, on the bench. James Forrest might be shoe horned in somewhere, probably at the expense of Izzaguerre, with Mulgrew dropping to left back, or he might have a part to play from the bench. In fact, thats likely what will happen.<\/p>\n
Or he might hurt himself putting on his shoes.<\/p>\n
Ajax will probably have most of the ball, so the defence and midfield will have to work hard and concentrate for the whole game, which would be a novelty in itself, but if Fraser Forster can play like he usually does at this level, then one goal might be enough.<\/p>\n
The head says a draw, and the heart says a narrow Celtic win, probably the odd goal in three.<\/p>\n
Which, given the track record of the diary when it comes to predictions, probably means a straight sets win for Ajax, with Celtic all out before tea.<\/p>\n
Frank de Boer is also worried that his fans won’t behave themselves before, during or after the game. Thanks to modern technology, we can not only see the game live on the telly, but due to the central positioning of a webcam in the main square, we can also watch the fighting when it starts this afternoon.<\/p>\n