ok, here we go, I know this wont be a popular view , but.... We will soon be having an extremely important first competitive game, against helsinki, in the hope that we can make some headway in europe this season. We will be going into this off the back of some fairly poor/mediocre friendlies, with, perhaps, the exception of a good showing against inter milan. And, really, europe is the yardstick by which we need to measure ourselves, assuming we accept the league is going to be won this year. Historically we have had quite a few poor starts in europe, especially in the qualifying rounds that we have had to play before our season has gotten under way and we have faced opposition who, just like helsinki, are well into their own season. So, my problem is that - apart from not addressing the need for a centre back - we have played these friendlies, which are our only preparation for what could be one of our most important games of the season without using our strongest eleven and a consistent team shape I think this is extremely short-sighted and naive. Obviously I hope Ive got this completely wrong and we get a result, but I think the worry is quite realistic and we may struggle , not through lack of players or talent, but through poor planning and preparation. please log in to view this image Thats all I have to say about that
'tis an utterly fair point. Didn't go to the Inter game but the Norwich game was a run-out for shop window players. I'm proper nervous about tonight - a lot needs to improve.
Super Joe said we will not be caught cold. If you can believe in anyone it is Joseph Christopher Ignatius Columba Patrick Ledley
I think we'll be alright, they are a pish team and one of the best draws we could have got. They are about the standard of an Aberdeen from what I’ve heard about them.
Anything other than a stroll in the park for Celtic will be a catastrophic failure of gargantuan proportions. If Celtic cannot beat this team by at least three clear goals then they have no right to be in the SPL, let alone Europe. I'll be watching with interest or maybe not.
It's over 2 legs so not the one off that those where. Easiest opposition Lennon has faced in Europe by quite some distance.
I'm loving this well explained optimism. You may well get through but NO Scottish club should take it as granted.
They are mid season. Look at Scumrock rovers last year. They qualified for the Europa in no small part due to being fully up to speed. Nothing is a gimme.
Under rating this team 18 games into their season , where they not beating Schalke 2-0 last season?? If we perform like we did first 45 mins against inter shouldn't be a problem , I would play Lustig before Rogne centre defence tonight .
I agree with the OP that it is disconcerting we have not played a first pick 11 in any of our pre season games, I don't pretend to understand the logic but it seems to be the norm nowadays. Hopefully Lenny knows what he's doing.
I can't see us keeping a clean sheet tonight. We're always accident prone at the back at the beginning of the season so I can see us shipping at least one goal. Also, we're struggling to score. I'd take any sort of win tonight. Get another game under our belt against the Sheep then play on the counter next week.
Play on the counter next week are you mad? This is a pishy mod we are up against bunch of ****ing pussies you lot!
i dont think they are as bad as you think thomas - the scored 7 in one game against the icelanders put in context, how many did we sink against a 3rd division german side the same week? we are better but it is by no means straightforward
