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.
LISTEN to the latest CQN Podcast now…
605 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- ...
- 16
- »
Sevco set to recall Boaby Madhun for the Hearts visit?
Fan-A-Tic
What really changes ?
It’s scary that they can do this in the public eye and get away with it, who is gonna say anything ?
HH
Any news on Kouassi Eboue?
BSR
It’s Collum
HH
The Samaritans are apparently hanging up on Sevcs ‘affected’ by NFL ‘provocation’.
TET
Peas in a pod
BSR
The huns don’t see it that way :-)
HH
I would rather have Collum reffing one of our game before madhun any day.
TD67, absolutely.
We were makeshift this time last year, we may have a couple of issues with injury, but firstly, nothing like as bad as last year, secondly, they have all had a year working with Brendan,look at how many changes have had to be made recently and how seemlessly they fitted in.
I’d rather see the experienced guys in, but I’ll trust Brendan to get the mix right.
Come to think of it, at European level how many games have Moussa, Kieran, Scott or Paddy(I know he isn’t here yet!) played in CL, Broony has probably played more than all of them put together:-)
The way she giggles at the stupid jokes of White is cringeworthy.
RIP Johnny, YNWA L.
SOUTHSIDE on 15TH AUGUST 2017 3:57 PM
Beaton demoted. That’ll teach him not to mess with ra peepul.
SFA have 7 FIFA referees and only 6 premiership fixtures each week so at least one naturally misses out each week.
Also Beaton, Thomson and Madden have Europa League ties on Thursday night so Madden is 4th official (our game) and Beaton and Thomson have Championship games.
This is standard practice rather than ‘demotion’ after midweek European appointments.
In first of the CL Play 1st legs, Copenhagen a goal down away to Qarabag (live on BT Sport now) in front of 30k noisy fans in Baku. Temp 29 C and pitch seems to be cutting up a bit. Could have been us in draw.
Here is something you might like to buy:
“The Neil Lennon Commemorative ‘Ear Cup’”
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/the-neil-lennon-commemorative-ear-cup/
Was just chatting to a nice but dim hun at the shops. Was goin on about the sheep sh#####g bassa who put the nut on Garner last season and didnae get sent off. His face was a picture when I told him that sheep bassa was Ryan Jack. Getting a reputation for it is Jack. :)
HebCelt
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and Island Celt.
Best wishes to the family of Johnny Macdonald
RIP Johnny Mac
RIP Johnny. Prayer offered for him and his family.
Yogi
Sorry to read your news L.
Johnny rip.
Hebcelt
RIP Johnny
Hey Bhoys and ghirls
As per earlier I have an adult & U13 combo available for tomorrow.
Anyone interested?
HH jamesgang
HebCelt
RIP Johnny MacDonald
Maybe see you tomorrow ☘️☘️☘️
Jamesgang
I’ll let those behind you know they don’t have a restricted view
The league challenge cup that our under 20’s are in tonight, is that the same level that the huns arny in any more, so they could play glamour friendlies instead :-)
BT
You going to BV pre match tomorrow?
BT
They might still have!!
I have a spare adult ticket. And the wee mhan is away.
But if no takers my big sticky oot lugs jay be in their usurp place.
HH jamesgang
Guyfawkes
Enjoy the match in Annan tonight.
Good man travelling down.
You are doing West Dunbartonshire proud.
Paul67 et al
I think I’m right in saying that the last team to beat us in a competitive game was Barcelona.
If so I’m pretty confident we will get a result tomorrow night.
TET
Huns 20s play Dumbarton tomorrow night in that cup.
Delaneys
So they didn’t withdraw then ?
HH
HEBCELT
Thoughts and prayers for your friend Johnny
HH
Embramike
And a CL first-leg qualifier no-no from the Danes, getting caught on the break from their corner -kick with the score at 0-0.
TET
I think it is the league that they withdrew from??
Johnny MacDonald RIP.
Ar dheis lámh Dhé go raibh a anam uasal.
Delaneys
Ah right, wtf was the point then ?
HH
TET
Finishing in the lower half of the table maybe? :))
BT Sport Football @btsportfootball
“I’ve got it on good authority that Patrick Roberts will sign for @celticfc…”
@chris_sutton73 with some huge news for Celtic fans!
Hebcelt. Just going to Mass,will prayer for the repose of the soul of your friend Johnny. Likewise I will remember his wife and family. RIP.
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/897509845397635078
Big Chris saying Paddy is signing