It’s hard playing away from home in Europe, statistically, the hardest thing we do (harder still than guessing what bizarre nonsense Craig Thomson will get up to next). For all our great Champions League nights, our record on the Continent (or any other continent, as the case may be) is poor.
Hapoel Beer Shiva’s expectations will be low, but their job tonight is remarkably simple: score, then score again, then see what happens to Celtic. They scored twice in two minutes at Celtic Park, and if they can do the same in 80 minutes in Israel, that +£20m pot you’ve been reading about it anyone’s.
We need big performances from our big players, most notably Craig Gordon and Kolo Toure. I’ve no concerns we’ll get what’s necessary from Leigh Griffiths, James Forrest and Scott Sinclair. Therein lies the tactical problem for Hapoel.
They would prefer to play this game as they played Olympiakos: on the break. Instead, they have to chase the tie, which will leave space for Celtic’s fast front three to exploit.
Tactically, this is a very difficult task to prepare for the home team to prepare for, which is why Hapoel are 9-1 against qualifying, high odds for a two horse race. They need to play the opponent, so should defend, but they also need to play the aggregate score, so need to create lots of chances.
Teams who attempt to square this circle often lose the match. Let’s hope.
1-2, Celtic, on the night.
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Just musing to distract from nerved.
If we won Champions League this time then would we still have to lay qualifying rounds next time ?
I am sure someone can answer this.
BT / NOT THE BUS
Will possibly get the game in “nine fine irishmen” pub in hotel new York New York up at top of strip ??
COYBIG
Rick Astley struggles every year round about lent.
Cowiebhoy
How did Laura get on?
Awe_naw: re the link you posted. I think Danny D. was a very good friend of our own Macanbheatha. Maybe Big Bones could confirm.
This is torture waiting for the game.
Cmon ffs:)
HH
Is it me or is Jim White starting to look more and more like Max Headroom?
HT
Said she loved it and more importantly so the kids on day 1
Thanks bhud, now get back to nerves :-)
I like the look of that Leicester Porto Ajax Celtic group.
No doubt we’d be lumped in with our Catalan cousins as ever.
Incidentally HT she has a Lisbon lions grandchild in her class :-))
COYBIG
Cowiebhoy
Going for a run, that’s how bad it is!!!
Cowiebhoy
Was that laura`s first day teaching or just her first in a new school?
POGUES1967 on 23RD AUGUST 2016 5:46 PM
Btw there is this on that stream as well “”” @BBCSportScot Xavi is at the game in Israel tonight could it true about a transfer???”””
Right it must be time for a beer :-)
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD on 23RD AUGUST 2016 5:52 PM
This is torture waiting for the game.
Cmon ffs:)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Wait till Celtic have to defend a 1st minute corner:)
All good luck to the Celts in the Holy Land. In recent years, most of the team involved tonight have a patchy record in crunch, one-off, do or die, add your own adjective matches. This game is the chance to sweep those memories into football’s dustbin.
Wear the green and white hoops proudly, the world is watching us for the second time this season. It waited to laugh at us against the Imps, tonight it’s waiting to applaud the players should they be able to stand as tall as the fans.
Celtic forever.
Nye Bevans Rebel Soldier
None of my family will watch the game with me….dont blame them:)
I will be screeching like a banshee throughout the game.
If we win….I will do a lap of honour round Maryhill.
Cmon Celtic….lets do it.
HH
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
I’ll be in my usual seat………behind the sofa!!!!
Qualifying money ✔
Group stage money ✔
% f TV money ✔
Gate money ✔
Fees per point won money ✔
Where’s the ole Battered Bunnet for an estimate of what tonight means in dosh?
Happy clapper’s view on this evening….. I have watched or been at all games this season and I see an improvement in every game for almost all players. The exception for me is Craig Gordon but not for his ‘goalie’ duties but on the ‘playing the ball with the feet’. He seems even less confident than last year not helped by BR’s tactics of using him as much as possible. He is nearly as bad as Packie Bonnar at that but a much better goalkeeper. I think we can score against most teams and I include Beer in that. The ‘punch’ up front vastly superior to last season ie, not reliant on the Griff. In addition I think we are prone to losing one goal at least in every game so ….. 3 1 for the Bhoys. COYBIG.
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 23RD AUGUST 2016 5:51 PM
Rick Astley struggles every year round about lent.
======================
I was lolling there. ;)))
Nye Bevans
I will be on the roof if we win:)
HH
BSR fag packet maths…..
Here’s what Celtic can earn if they get through tonight in Israel:
£2.6m for coming through the qualifying games
£10.3m for playing in the Champions League group stage
About £10m in TV money
About £7m from gate receipts at Celtic Park
That lot would boost Celtic’s coffers to the tune of £30m, and that’s before you consider prize money of £1.3m for a group stage win and a third of that for a draw.
Oldtim
Good stuff, call u tomorrow
Cowiebhoy
Thanks and glad Laura had a great first day teaching
Hope u are well mate
Bada
I like the ole fag packet maths
How much when we win it?
No harm to anyone but I wish you would leave counting
cash tae the morra.
Bada Bing….
That’s a lot of firewood for Oor train…
Toot toot …
Braw
Can anyone tell me why the first 3 rows of seats in the stadium are left empty for CL games and why the second row of seats in the dugout always have a sign on them saying “not in use” at the same games?
GOYBIG
Slippeddisc.csc
Painkillers and bed BHOYS.
Take care and good luck tonight.
See you guys on the other side.
Hail Hail!!!!!!!!!!
KLV
GOYBIG = COYBIG….nervous fingers!
Strongly fancy us to score at least one tonight, mabye more. We’re going through. No fear, Celtic
ROWLEY BIRKIN
Advertising boards are too high to see over in the first three rows.
ROWLEY BIRKIN QC on23RD AUGUST 2016 6:16 PM
Uefa insist on the touchline being a certain distance from the nearest fans I believe. If the front rows are closer than that distance they have to be left empty.
or so I believe.
Hot Smoked
First day as a qualified teacher, probationary year, and has a P2 / 3 composite class at St Mary’s primary Bannockburn
She will be brilliant in this job, and kids will adore her
Has a totally natural way in both roles, and was up beyond midnight with her sister, boyfriend and brother in law still getting everything prepared – said it was nerves
Anyway more importantly now
COYBIG
I don’t get Antone wanting ajax in a group game.
Last games were a nightmare. Horrible supporters.
I actually prefer to meet teams we havnt before.
City. Dortmund. Leicester. Leverkusen. Sporting.spurs. PSV.
Teams like that
Very tense and nervous here in my living room, gonna be a long night.
I always believe the bookies call these things pretty much right so I wandered into Ladbrokes today and was surprised at how miserable the prices were for ” more than 2.5 goals” and “more than 3.5 goals”.
So it could be bumpy ride…
HH young Cowighirl.
HH bmcuwp maw.
HH the Green Brigade.
Mon the hoops, No Fear. Tonight is our night.
Celtic
Anyone
Thanks guys. HH