In a departure from the usual pre-match niceties, Astana chief executive, Kaisar Bekenov, did his best to send a message to Romania referee Istvan Kovacs, that he expects Celtic to try to provoke his players into getting a red card tonight.
For good measure, he informed Kazak media that all referees he spoke to about the “Griffiths incident” and everyone in Glasgow he spoke to since he arrived, told him Leigh should have been sent off. I suspect his sampling technique isn’t entirely scientific.
He’s right to be cautious about picking up red cards, they can determine the outcome of any game, but I’m sure this is an indicator of the manner in which Astana plan to play tonight. They will get ‘stuck in’, in particular to Patrick Roberts.
Roberts won’t be the first Celtic right winger to face some robust action in European football but this is all new to him, how he deals with it could be a major factor in the game.
Two other players worthy of note are Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths. Astana will note how Scott was lured into a needless booking in the final seconds of last week’s first leg. If I was their coach, I’d send my players out to test Scott’s discipline.
Like all European strikers, Leigh will have to deal with being pulled inside the box. How he breaks free will result in scenes of drama, as Astana attempt to right the wrongs from the first leg all those Glaswegians spoke to Kaisar Bekenov about.
Celtic have the advantage of not having to chase the game, but we are likely to press forward from the off. How we defend will be crucial. Ronny Deila’s great undoing was the porous shape of his team when they lost possession in Europe. Tonight needs to be about defensive discipline above all else – and yes, that means patience.
It will be close to 3am Astana time at 90 minutes when the effects of jetlag will be greatest. The latter part of the game will be when Celtic have most advantage. Keep it tight, draw them out and finish strong, Celtic.
Well done to Dundalk in qualifying for the Champions League play-off round by eliminating BATE Borisov last night. BATE are accomplished qualifiers for the Champions League, having progresses through the champions group more than any other club since qualification reorganisation.
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Someone on here does not have the good grace or brain to suspend their ever repetitive comment on the day of a big game for all Celtic fans and say something about the game tonight, even a good luck tonight bhoys seems to be beyond him. H H Hebcelt
Did some people not believe BR when he said the squad was too large?
Celtic only talk transfers once they are done. Fact.
Need to visit the clubhouse to retrieve my waterproofs as a soggy Gazebo is forecast for this evening.
No predictions, whatever Brendan decides will suffice.
Hail Hail
Eurochamps67
GalvingreensCSC
I can’t imagine being in a position that Celtic whatever it’s faults, it’s challenges, it’s ups and downs would give me no joy whatsoever…
That would be a very sad day indeed…
Agendadrivenplantseh…
TBB
OK
SFTB
” old people clog dancing is neither a cultural artefact of the KKK nor a prelude to Deliverance-style sexual assault. It may remain aesthetically disturbing though :-)”
It is aesthetically disturbing because it IS both of the `neithers` ! :-)
JJ
Could some people in Scotland who have not got tickets for tonight, please snap up the last 1288 seats, so that we supporters too far away can see the game on TV instead of relying on a dodgy internet connection? Premier sports say they will show the game live only if its a sell-out.
HH
Yogi
Some players WILL sign regardless of European football guarantees. Some have. The player you want is not necessarily the one who will ONLY come if guaranteed European football. We were on the verge of Naka signing ( despite interest from a host of other clubs) when Artmedia pasted us 5-0.
It was suggested he wouldn’t be interested following that thumping.
He of course did sign and was instrumental in helping us into the CL the following season.
Those are the types of players we need to find. IF, and I’ve no idea if it’s true, IF Sinclair is only going to sign assuming we are in CL, then I’d already be looking elsewhere.
He’s good but he’s no Messi!
Afternoon all.
Feeling less pessimistic than last Wednesday , which is a worry prior to any European game that always brings feelings of impending football doom. Sorry SFTB , put me in the same camp (or Gazebo) as TBB.
TD. Best line from that JJ link was how can we have a safe standing area when there is a distinct possibility of the roof caving in . ,;-))))
Hopefully catch up with some of you at the usual spot outside paradise.HH
Celtic give me no pleasure. So I’m not going tonight. Hopefully you muppets will sell it out so I can watch on TV.
:-]
MWD PL GTF
Well done the young Hoops last night. Some excellent performances, including Ross Dooher, the big keeper. Nesbit recovered from a bad start, moving away from the shot on goal that led to the opener. Maybe lightweight forwards should not be placed in that position. He did recover to rightfully win MOM. Concentration needed tonight to see us through HH
I often read on here that `Scotland is a footballing backwater`. It would help me better understand the statement were I to know if Scotland is the only such country. Is it?
Would a wonderful hotel in a poor area still be a wonderful hotel?
An oasis in a desert is a beautiful place.
JJ
MWD
:-))))
NEGANON2@1:05
We have to differ on the board – I do have trust in DD, PL and board members – that is not to say that they don’t get things wrong from time to time.
We are in a difficult environment – we need to be smart and prudent at the same time – I don’t believe anyone at Celtic Park would do anything to purposely damage Celtic FC.
Would like to think that we will get a repeat of the Imps scoreline tonight – three rapid, and it’s ‘Goodnight Vienna’ HH
MOONBEAMSWD
Get yersel’ a PL blow up doll and ye kin kick it roon the living room as the half time entertainment section:))
a) Celtic cannot compete with EPL teams for players
Objectively true regardless of what spin you put on it.
b) The manager needs time to make up his mind on the current squad.
It’s only common sense for the coach to have a look at what we currently have before investing money in new players.
c) The manager doesn’t make the signings
It’s completely untrue. It’s an unfounded rumour.
d) A lot of transfers happen at the end of the window
It’s something that all clubs have to deal with. A player who is happy at his current club will have a stronger bargaining position at the end of the window. They might hold out to see if a wealthier club will swoop in at the last of the minute.
These players gain little from moving early.
Some teams won’t sell until they get a replacement. For example, Sissoko will leave Newcastle this season but only after the deal for Diame is done.
e) The same players struggled last season
Domestically they did fine. There’s no doubt that there are still good players in that squad. There even may be a couple the Rodgers could improve like Martin O’Neill did with Bobby Petta.
f) Foreign players don’t want to play here
Why would they? Horrible weather, better money elsewhere and having to deal with the added complications of playing for Celtic. Being hounded by the press and abused on the street.
g) We need to get rid of the deadwood
Every squad has deadwood. Every team needs to get rid of it.
h) Agents are difficult
It’s their job. They are out to get the best deal for their client. They aren’t here to help Brendan Rodgers plan for Astana.
Why do Celtic need to sign 4 or 5 players in order to beat teams from Kazakhstan and Sweden every summer? The attitude of BUY BUY BUY is prevalent despite any evidence to the contrary.
We bought VVD and played him in the first leg against Shakter Karagandy. He wasn’t great and got dropped. Clearly, by any measure, VVD was an excellent player but struggled against poor opposition. Sometimes you don’t throw new signings into big games in pre-season. Neil Lennon learned the hard way and left out all the new signings. He was rewarded with a 3-0 win.
Dembele has been a bit of a coup for Celtic but he has also struggled. It’s not easily to instantly settle into a new team without even a full pre-season. The guys who performed well over there were Broony, Roberts and Griffiths. All of whom were here last season.
Bigshuggy
I was very impressed by the manner in which PeeJay took his goal. Pure class.
JJ
Hot Smoked on 3rd August 2016 1:19 pm
I often read on here that `Scotland is a footballing backwater`. It would help me better understand the statement were I to know if Scotland is the only such country. Is it?
Would a wonderful hotel in a poor area still be a wonderful hotel?
An oasis in a desert is a beautiful place.
______
Do you have to live in the hotel for years? Do you have to spend every other weekend visiting grubby hotels in Motherwell or Dingwall?
Do half of the people in the hotel want to kick your head in just because of your occupation?
Good ball retention crucial tonight along with deep concentration. Been giving the ball away to cheaply for years in Europe…Lets do it Celtic!!
YOGIHUGHES
Two possible solutions for you:
1) The game is being shown online on Celtic TV
2) You could still buy tickets, even if you can’t go, to sell the game out.
Timalloy – much needed perspective.
There are just so many variables.
However we got to where we are at this point the only option we have is to support the team tonight.
CRAIGELLACHIE10 on 2ND AUGUST 2016 11:47 PM
DOC on 2ND AUGUST 2016 11:39 PM
If you are in the old town you could head to Malones on Forrest Road.
———————————————–
Many thanks for that:-)
Timaloy 29
Do you have to live in the hotel for years?
No but enjoy it while you are there.
Do you have to spend every other weekend visiting grubby hotels in Motherwell or Dingwall?
The difference highlights the beauty of the hotel ( and Dingwall is not such a bad wee place).
Do half of the people in the hotel want to kick your head in just because of your occupation?
Not IN the hotel they don`t.
JJ
Starry
I have his coupon on a dartboard in every room in house and I pick up a thousand darts each morning. But he never ever GTF! :-[
JJ
I am literally not attending this evening and likely will have to move my TV and firebox to the eu de toilet. :-[
Me diverhunulitis is playing up again.
MWD PL GTF
The BHOYS are due us a performance at this stage tonight, I’ve every faith in BR and the way the team will play…was at the Dublin game my youngests first he’s only 6 and the way he sang and showed up older fans with his passion was immense they started singing his name long before the end.. So see this Scotland is a place to finish your career nonsense from whoever, it’s all lies the passion just keeps repeating if the heart is in the right place hh coybig get into them do us proud but most of all keep my we son singing
Regarding Griff being worth more money if he had a more exotic name.
Me and my best mate made this observation years ago and always refer to players in the style of Lenondho, Suttinho etc
I feel confident that if both teams play well tonight, we will qualify. If only one team plays well, that team will qualify. Play well, Celtic.
Only twenty minutes until I start on my journey to Paradise ( probably via the BV even though I don`t really like the place). Anyone going to a Real Ale place in town?
JJ
RobertTressell on 3rd August 2016 1:28 pm
Aye exactly. Brendan has the tools to get a result at home against this team.
Set pieces should be practiced regularly in training. It’s what cost us all the goals against Malmo.
MWD a wee point of grammar that has always puzzled me, is literally not attending just the same as not attending?. I have this problem with the word “actually” it’s really meaningless – literally!!! Hail Hail Hebcelt
MOONBEAMSWD
Ouch sounds rough mate.
A hearty rendition of the Celtic Song should move it along nicely:)
Just posted a very good article by Celtic author Paul Dykes on former Celtic striker Tony Watt. It’s a brilliant read – enjoy!
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/tony-watt-the-bash-street-kid/
Do away goals count in extra time?
Curious children asking.
This Astana mob are really starting to piss me off with their constant whinging and mind games.
There should be a near-capacity crowd tonight who I am sure will give them a ‘warm’ welcome.
I am also pretty certain that they will never have played in an atmosphere like tonight’s.
Quite concerned about the Romanian ref who seems to have a reputation of being card happy. The Kazakhs will no doubt play on this and roll about at the drop of a hat, as if shot by the sniper on the grassy knoll.
Celtic need to be disciplined and not rise to the bait.
Would be happy with 2-0, both scored by the exotic Leo(nardo) Griffaldi.
COYBIG!
HH!!
Yes, but it’s a moot point. 3-0 in normal time. Griff 2 Dembele 1.
Team for tonight;
Cragio, Lustiga, O’Connelli, Ambrosio,Tierni
Roberto, Bruni, Magrigor, Johansson
Dembele and Griffo
WC just read that.
What a waste, he should look no further than our own Griff to learn how to turn it around.
Still time.
Goodbye Arbroath; Hello Glasgow !
JJ
I am looking forward to the game tonight.
I will be there in my colours to cheer on whatever team we select. Celtic have all the tools we need to put this team away home empty handed. The bhoys backed to the core by a huge crowd will get the job done.
Bet just placed on a 4-1 tonight.
Make it so Celtic
HH
Mike
Winning Captains
#RES12 t-shirt just arrived…..thank you very much.
Please pass on my thanks to L for the extra surprises he included (that’s my reading sorted for the next few days:)
Thanks Again D
HH