2:35 am

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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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605 Comments

  1. Last hire was to Hilton …..”OMG there’s big Eboue” WTF ,he’s wearing a blue trakkie.!

     

     

    Astana team staying there Big mhan has a doppleganger.

  2. Call_of_Juarez on

    Techie advice sought – I have the Mobdro app installed on Amazon Fire tablet but annoyingly I usually receive ‘livestreams cannot be loaded’ message. Is this a problem for other users?

     

    Thanks

  3. I hope Patrick Roberts comes back but I don`t think he will. Obviously I don`t know about the authenticity of the Twitter comments but I don`t believe the BBC have access to the inner workings of Celtic. Chris McLaughlin`s piece on Reporting Scotland was Just the equivalent to click-bait, IMO.

     

    JJ

  4. Through A Green Glass Brightly on

    Hebcelt

     

    sorry to hear the sad news about your pal Johnny, may he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

  5. Nenad Eric, Astana goalkeeper and captain.

     

     

    There is good atmosphere in the team before the game against Celtic. Everything is going according to the plan. We know that we will play against Celtic who has great supporters. Tomorrow game will be tough. Fact that we play first game away might be our advantage but I’m far from making conclusion that it will decide about the competition. We will have our fans giving their best in Atana. I’m pretty sure our fans will help us in the game.

     

    When I look back the memories from one year ago sadden me. We lost our game and chances here in Glasgow. Now it’s time to look forward, feel happy that we will play for great supporters at wonderful Celtic Park.Tomorrow we will do our best to play good game.

     

    Is Celtic Glasgow stronger team the one we played against one year ago?I think Celtic was strong then and is strong now. Actually we watched some of their games and I must say they have very good footballers in the team.

     

     

    On the other hand I think that Astana is stronger the team we were one year ago.

     

     

    Some people complained on the referees work one year ago. I think I’m not the man to make any comments on their job. In principles everything went according to the rules one year ago. Everything in football is possible.

  6. theBHOYfromU.N.C.L.E on

    More kite flying from big sutty………like his Dunfermline laying down story.

     

     

    developingstory csc

  7. Good evening, friends.

     

     

    Tonight, I shall be mostly supporting Hoffenheim. Knocking Liverpool out will potentially* have a knock on benefit for us.

     

     

    * – if** we look after our own qualification

     

     

    ** – we will ;-)

  8. 50 SHADES OF GREEN on 15TH AUGUST 2017 7:19 PM

     

    Glad Paddy didnae play for city tonight, 2 games in 2 days might have been a tad 2 much for him ;-)

     

     

     

    H.H

     

    …………………………

     

    Good one…I liked that mate.

     

    HH

  9. I’ve got it on good authority that I’ll be having a prawn and spaghetti based main meal this evening with a choice of puddin’s to follow……………..( the precise nature of said puddin’s are as yet, unclear)……

     

    …….Developin’ menu……

     

     

    :0

     

     

    HH.

  10. Chris trying to build a solid reputation in the media, thankfully, he wouldn’t damage it IMO ,by taking a flyer on Paddy.I think Ings might happen too.

  11. TV3…….

     

    …… CQN’s own Tommy Martin is the Leader Aff………… ably supported by NFL but unfortunately The Beast is on too………

     

     

    ‘Mon the Hoofenpfeffer………

  12. ” In a move that is sure to rock the blog culinary cognoscenti……….

     

    I can exclusively reveal that puddin’ the night…….. will be

     

    two scoops of ice cream – one vanilla, one chocolate – sprinkled with the broken bits of a plain digestive biscuit………..”

  13. BANKIEBHOY1 on 15TH AUGUST 2017 7:46 PM

     

    ” In a move that is sure to rock the blog culinary cognoscenti……….

     

     

    I can exclusively reveal that puddin’ the night…….. will be

     

     

    two scoops of ice cream – one vanilla, one chocolate – sprinkled with the broken bits of a plain digestive biscuit………..”

     

     

    ————

     

     

    raging mate,

     

     

    you pure put that puddin in my heid and decided to raid the fridge and cupboards.

     

     

    vanilla and chocolate ice cream, check.

     

     

    digestive biscuits check. opens packet none of them are broken,

     

     

    i am await to waitrose

  14. theBHOYfromU.N.C.L.E on

    The level of expectation if Paddy does come will be immense given its second time around, but could be the making of him……..he clearly loves the adulation.

  15. TET,

     

     

    On second viewing it was a penalty. Apparently the assistant gave it.

     

     

    Shocking strike though. I hope it doesn’t unsettle the Hoff.

  16. Good evening Ghent’s n Girls

     

    Back from Oz for three weeks , managed to get a ticket for mini Huns game which was amazing. Singing go home ya Huns after enduring their bile was a bit of a highlight as well as the football of course.

     

    Butterflies pre match, brilliant to see the transformation of the stadium surrounds first hand. ( First match in paradise for 15 year ) was like a wee boy and being with my old man made it that bit more special.

     

    I’ve got a few people on the hunt for a ticket for tomorrow but no joy yet, anybody out there with a spare ?

     

     

     

    HH

  17. Stivs…………….

     

     

    We only buy our broken digestives

     

    from Galbraiths…………

     

     

    ;0

  18. DBHOY on 15TH AUGUST 2017 8:04 PM

     

     

    few hundred tickets available online, or at the ticket office early tomorrow.