2:35 am. That’s what time it will be in Astana, and in Astana FC’s players’ body clocks, at full time tomorrow night. Whereas Celtic will play the away tie during our afternoon, Astana will fight their natural instinct to be asleep, which will be a clear advantage for Celtic.
They conceded two goals at Celtic Park last year, in added at the end of each half. We should expect them to tire during similar periods this time, particularly so as full time approaches. If the tie remains tight late on, we should re-energise for a final push against what should be increasingly disorientated opponents.
Marin Tomasov joined Astana last month. He earned two assists in his last game, takes set-pieces and can shoot from distance.
Their other attacking dangers are Twumasi and Kabananga. Both are fast wing-players, who will attempt to press Celtic as high up the field as possible, and will break forward at every opportunity
Astana’s key concern is in goal. They have two keepers vying for the no. 1 spot, neither good enough to make it his own. Nenad Eric is likely to get the nod against Celtic. He is weak in the air and noted to spill shots. There should be scraps for Leigh to feed from.
Defensively, they rely more on numbers than aptitude. While Twumasi gets forward quickly, he isn’t known for getting back to do the hard work. Kieran Tierney and Scott Sinclair should be able to exploit this down Celtic’s left.
Make no mistake, this is a tie Celtic should win, but Astana will be more difficult opponents than anyone we will meet domestically this season. We have a big night ahead tomorrow – the most important game Celtic Park will host this season.
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Divest ’em!
Noo!
In fact, make it yistirday!
The clocks go back??
2 0 Celtic
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40921922
Short planks pair in “You’re making us look thin!” complaint to Statements O’Clock FC.
Catching up after my Night shifts,lets get past Astana and enjoy Champions League football at Paradise again, nothing like it!!
Belated thanks to TD67 for the Hibees bet suggestion, got it on PP at 9/1
and to Stringer Bell for the golf tips, 3 of the top 6, happy days
Now horse tips from WITS, T and T or anyone else very welcome
HH
If tomorrow night really is “the most important game Celtic Park will host this evening” then why are we co inadequately prepared for it? BR recently spoke on Friday saying that he was hopeful of additions for the Astana game, and still hasn’t happened. Either he is putting enormous trust in the players he has now or the Board has let him down?
But no matter how many comments I read on this thread later on today, no one can come out and honestly say that the team is stronger now than it was back in May or even last year, when it clearly isn’t…
Paul67
What a pity we don’t have an aerial threat in open play all those wasted high balls, and Leigh Griffiths taking all the corners trying to find Jozo.
Maybe we should have brought in a 1.9Metre striker? too late now.
Passing it along the ground behind a parked bus isn’t easy, never mind tickets still on sale £28.00
Statement from Neil Lennon
https://twitter.com/jonnyrambo67/status/896833827317960704
3 games on at Paradise in the one night??
Now that’s value for money, that ticket!
TONYDONNELLY67 on 15TH AUGUST 2017 12:56 PM
Share prices?
http://www.investopedia.com/university/stocks/stocks4.asp
The Green Jedi on 15th August 2017 1:04 pm
Are we stronger than at this stage last season? Are we stronger than when we played Astana last season?
I would say yes to both.
The manager said he wanted one in before the qualifiers, and got him (Ntcham), with another couple at the end of the window.
The thing that’s changed is two centre halfs injured and one striker out. Do we panic buy on someone who will not feature much, if at all, or wait until targets become available. Any new signings wouldn’t go straight in tomorrow night no matter who they were.
Watch yer back, Neil, TD67’s comin’!
Imperial Bears in meltdown.
News about Neil Lennon’s innocence followed by this tweet..from the Inferior Bears.
“Guess what… It gets worse.”
@ScottishFA roll out sectarian school teacher with his special idolatry whistle for Saturday’s game.”
(News that Willie Collum is refereeing Sevco’s game against Heartson Saturday reaches the obsessed).
Let the complaints (distractions/threats) begin…
MALLOY
Sorry mate not really into horses, I do the odd bet at big races, but nothing big.
Any score with Astana 0 will do me nicely tomorrow :))
Wullie’s gonna need eyes in the back of his head for that one!
Oh, wait. . .
Not sure it bothered them much last year but will take a more analytical look later! HH
I don’t know where the Astana players will be staying during their visit to Scotland, but let’s hope that wherever it is, the locals will be very quiet in the vicinity of the hotel, so the Astana players can get some quality shut-eye ahead of the game tomorrow. On second thoughts, does anyone know where I can get an air-horn? (…for my rig, of course!) ;o)
Anything to nil will be a solid start to the tie, and with only two of Celtic’s last eleven opponents managing to breach the thin green & white line, we ought to be confident against a team sleep-walking its way around Paradise.
Over there we will have far more space to exploit going forward, and our Bhoys will be wide awake for their afternoon kick-off (CP time). Even the weather looks like playing ball, with temperatures currently forecast to be around 22-24°C max in Astana next Tuesday (and obviously cooler in the evening).
Back to work now…
Is Celtic Quick News having a Fantasy Premier League this year? – If so what’s the code?
Bigchipsuk
I do not know the place but you probably do :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyUxMPTtu08
Good Afternoon.
In case of interest, here is something new about an exciting career opportunity at Sevco…
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/how-to-manage-the-scottish-sports-media/
The Green Brigade will be back tomorrow night
Bit concerned about the Astana game tomorrow night there results show they are no mugs & as Paul67 says they will be far tougher team than anything we will face in the SPFL
No wild predictions from me as I feel our preparations have been hampered by injuries plus I think they will score making it a very tense night
fingers & toes crossed csc
By the same token they’ll have looked at our matches with Rosenborg and noticed a real predictability about our attacks with no Griffiths and no one looking convincing in the role of striker.
He’ll probably come in for some special attention tomorrow night but I’m sure he’ll be ready for them.
HH
Good to hear the Green Brigade will be back.
HH
Via Zurawski7 on KDS:
===
Alison Conroy @AlisonGConroy
B Rodgers says “nothing to add” on P Roberts situation. “Number of targets we’re looking at”
===
BEATBHOY on 15TH AUGUST 2017 1:18 PM
Wullie’s gonna need eyes in the back of his head for that one!
Oh, wait.
……………………
BEATBHOY
I Liked that wan !
HH
BBC Scotland news at 1.30……….NO mention about Neil Lennon…..cos they now know that there was no story or offence by Neil…..just rabid , fecked up jaked up on racism and bigotry., from scum hun support…..who are all feckin shit scared of their wummin folk !
God Bless
Neil Lennon.
HH
Trinity realigned and back HH
ONEMALLOY on 15TH AUGUST 2017 1:02 PM
Catching up after my Night shifts,lets get past Astana and enjoy Champions League football at Paradise again, nothing like it!!
Belated thanks to TD67 for the Hibees bet suggestion, got it on PP at 9/1
…………………….
Well done to all who back the Hibees.
Was I alone in placing bets on Hibs to win 3-2 correct score @ 40/1 ?
My other bet was also Hibs to win 3-2, with Stokes to score at anytime @ 60/1.
Obviously that bet got fecked.
I did post my bets on Saturday morn methinks.
Anyways,
God Bless NFL.
Ooft 3 posts in a row there, throw in this one and I’m exactly 4/250s on the way to emulating The Green Man!
Only joking TGM ;)
HH
Sorries,
I did “cash out” when the Huns got their 2nd goal illegally….feckin miles affside !
HH
Any news on Joe O’Rourkes meeting with Dumb and Dumber last night ?
HH
Any news on Joe ORourkes meeting with dungcaster last night
The Green Jedi said:
” Either he is putting enormous trust in the players he has now or the Board has let him down?”
No other possibilities then? Availability? Cost? Suitability?
The Green Jedi also said:
” But no matter how many comments I read on this thread later on today, no one can come out and honestly say that the team is stronger now than it was back in May or even last year, when it clearly isn’t…”
So Gary 67 @ 1:15 is lying?
You naughty boy, Gary.
JJ
Every Hun “goal” is affside in my unbiased view.
Every hun “goal” should be chalked aff….cos of how ugly they bassas are.
HH