Benfica enjoyed a 0-2 away win on Friday evening to remain joint-top of the Portuguese league with Porto. They will have enjoyed a day off while Celtic played on Saturday and will two days training before tomorrow’s game. By contrast, Celtic player will have rested yesterday and will get no more than a run out inside Estadio da Luz tonight. With games coming thick and fast at the moment, hopefully rest is the most important requirement for the players.
Benfica shredded Spartak for most of the second half in Moscow but contrived to miss what chances they created, allowing the Russians their only win of the group so far. The return game in Lisbon was a comfortable win for the home team.
Neil Lennon has some major tactical decisions to make. He will surely acknowledge the danger Benfica pose but has to find a way of scoring an away goal or two. Match day one between Celtic and Benfica brought a 0-0 draw, ostensibly a good result for the visitors, but the group has matured since then. Both teams played that game as though it was an away game; Benfica were happy to defend and Celtic, in their first Champions League game since 2008, were keen to feel their way back into the tournament.
This time Benfica will attack with speed and hope that Celtic open up a little more than they did against Barcelona. It’s important also to acknowledge that while Benfica are no Barcelona, they will also be less predictable than the Catalans, we will not have it all our own way in the air.
It’s going to be a game tiring 90 minutes where the use of fresh legs could be crucial but an early Celtic goal would allow Neil Lennon to set his stall out clearly.
Orders are now open for the very first CQN Annual, get it here!
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obonfanti1888
21:23 on
19 November, 2012
why oh why does scottish football have an obsession with “splits”. whatever happened to playing a normal league set up like most leagues in the world
+++++
My opinion on this is that the SPL really want der zomborkenkind back as quickly as possible, but to gerrymander the leagues in such an open fashion as to be seen to be the ones who allow them a route one, erm, route back to the top table just isn’t on.
So everyone talks reconstruction and the SFA say that they’ll force the issue if something isn’t agreed and isn’t agreed soon.
The SFL come out with a proposal that isn’t a million miles away from being what many fans want (minus the pyramid though – I think???). This plan would, assuming they uphold promotion relegation for the 33rd/32nd placed teams this season, likely see the undead return after two seasons working their way up the ladder [as opposed to three].
The SPL don’t want to be seen to go along with this, oh no sir, not at all. But they still want the return of the living dead asap.
Oh what to do?
Come up with the least feasible plan possible, obviously. We’ll say that it’s innovative (it’s not), it’ll reduce meaningless games (it won’t), it’ll bring back crowds (they’re already flocking back), it’ll stimulate production of players (it definitely won’t), it’ll yadda yadda yadda.
Damn, it’s a crap idea, say the fans – the Daily Ranker hotline is awash with Angry from Carluke. Let’s go with the SFL plan – the fans obviously want it (but let’s keep quiet about that pyramid, eh?).
So, it’s the SFL plan, the SFL plan or the SFL plan, imho.
Dear fellow Celtic family members,
Recently myself and six others took on the pledge to do something for 125 4 125, we took part in a 243 mile cycle from Ballymote county Sligo (birthplace of brother Walfrid) to Paradise
I must admit when I first seen 125 4 125 being advertised back in August, i was a bit confused about what the point was , got confused with that and the lottery which was also launched on the same day we were giving out leaflets advertising the up and coming bucket collection for Oscar
The reason for my message, I guess that there may be others out here that perhaps don’t fully understand 125 4 125
In this special year, I would suggest that it may be worth having a read of link below……which may help
http://www.everyclick.com/1254125_cycle_ballymote_to_glasgow_2012_paulmuldoon_225_miles/info
Thereafter during up and coming year, would call on fellow family members to Pledge to raise 125 4 125
I would also ask you to pass on message and the good work about the charity and how they aim to help others less fortunate
Your pledge / programme does not need to be as strenuous as a 243 mile cycle, however please consider doing something
In spirit of brother Walfrid I leave that thought with you….
@67mouldy67
@1254125
Tonights statement if it is just a sop to the fans then it is disappointing. If its a sop to the authorities before something happens to them I cant countenance.
But it is a sop.
I think WWF crowds are being targeted regardless. Its difficult to remain apolitical especially when you know that justice is not being served and you have lived and learned from it through generations.
The GB would not be getting as much sympathy if the lack of justice was not so overt in all other areas.
Not many WWF fans amongst us ….board has to decide where it stands now.
We dont care if we win lose or draw we learned that through generations too. We dont need to change anymore. Especially when the board seems to engage in political stereotyping as thats what they want and will never get.
Anyway….. Did Benfica get their Eagle back ?
HH
Eurochamps, the use of cameras inside the ground without prior consent is taboo I believe.
Therefore whilst it’s a decent idea it would be playing intae their barra ( as my granny used to say)
Its not a Celtic thing. Same rules apply to most events these days. Even shopping centres nowadays ffs.
The GB story is a hugely important one and will certainly dominate our thoughts on the run up to Saturday and beyond.
However, we have a hugely important game tomorrow night and I do not want players or managers getting asked questions about the GB beforehand. (It is more important that PL or Ian Bankier respond to these in due course as tonight’s statement is confusing).
Anyways, on to the game.
We have become so used to away wins recently. In Helsinki, Stockholm and Moscow we managed to bring back all 3 points so should we not be fancied to do well in Lisbon too?
Well, not really! Those recent CLAWs went a long way to redressing a previously dismal record but it is still fair to say that Celtic, as 4th seeds will never be favourites to win a CL group stage match away from CP.
The odds on SkyBet will be fairly typical.
Benfica are 9 to 4 on to win.
We are 11 to 2 against to do the same. That means the bookies think we would have to play them 6 times before we would be expected to record one victory at their stadium. That’s how big an achievement it would be.
Even a draw, of any kind, is set at 7 to 2.
So the neutrals and professionals think we are expected to lose and are unlikely to scrape a draw.
Benfica possess a squad where they bought Cardozo for €9.2m, Aimar for €6.5m, Lima for around €7m, Ola John for up to €12m, Martins and Maxi Pereira €3m each, Salvio for €13.5m, Rodrigo €6m, Gaitan €8.4m, Garay €5.5m, and Enzo Perez €5,5m.
They seriously outspend us in the transfer market even though they get freer license to buy from Brazil.
And we usually lose 3:0 when we play in Portugal.
So, if the expected happens tomorrow, let’s not be in a rush to condemn this young team which has already over-achieved.
But if the unexpected happens…….
Is it alright if I leave off talking about the GB issue for another day whilst I hoop and holler with joy and pride?
burnley..,
eh
this IMO is far more important than any of the issues you raise, concerted institutionalised rascist sectarian agenda of victimisation and harassment of Celtic supporters who are having their lives and livelyhoods interrupted, and the custodians of our club are fiddling while rome burns. They have a duty of care to protect their customers from these abuses of power, yet we have witnessd this abuse continue for over 4 years, now please tell me you dont find this acceptable.
The Green Brigade should invite Peter Lawell or a board nominated person to go and sit with them, incognito of course, to experience a game from their perspective. Let them enjoy the full bhuna – from arriving at the turnstiles to the game itself and the exit back out into the streets.
Let them see what it is like to be a fan for a day rather than a bigwig.
Some of the noblest political and religious leaders in history did this to find out what reality was for their peoples – is Mr Lawell to remote to take up such an invite?
If the SPL proposal is agreed and implemented for next season, and Doncaster is true to his word tonight on Sportsound (i know, i know!!), the Zombies won’t be back in top flight until 15/16 providing they win 3 successive promotions.
In fact, with the SPL expanding into 2 leagues of 12, and Chuckles saying they’ll never play in the SPL, then they will continue life outside the top 2 leagues no matter whther they win leagues or not.
kayal33
21:17 on
19 November, 2012
Tell you this much, if the SPL / SFA dare to parachute zombies2 into the SPL, it WILL be the end of Scottish Football…..
mickbhoy1888
20:00 on
19 November, 2012
Now have 5 spare tickets for Lisbon courtesy of absent friends.
Should I be unable to sell on the said tickets on the flight out tomorrow morning I should be in Hennessy’s Lisbon roundabout lunchtime tomorrow if anyone knows of anybody that needs a ticket you can let them know
…………………………………………………..
Mickbhoy , my son and his friend are driving up from Malaga early tomorrow ( good lads ) and need tickets , I will pass this info on to him , how would he recognise you , any redeeming features ?
Buddy Morrisey,
The allegation is that a Celtic supporter who is currently under a football banning order (no statement of why this was received) was subject to visits from plod before the Aberdeen game. Plod said Celtic tipped them off. The tipper offer was a Celtic employee so says football banning order person to the Govan Emerald.
We then have football banning order person alleging via the Govan Emerald that plod told them at Helen st that a Celtic employee was feeding them this information.
Now presumably the police at Helen street are the hub for this kind of activity, that the police are quite au fait with all of the goings on there? That complaints can be made and answers are given? Do you just turn up and speak to the desk guy at helen st and he tells you all this? What are the Police protocols for this? I have no idea but seems far fetched for such a large organisation to readily hand out Celtic employees names to chaps on the end of football banning orders?
If Barca beat Spartak tomorrow, the least we can gain is a place in the Europa Cup. If Barca then beat Benfica in the Nou Camp, we need one point at Celtic Park against Spartak to qualify for the Last 16 of the Champions League.This applies even if Benfica win tomorrow night.
I hope the Green Brigade harassment has been sorted by then.
`night all.
JJ
Come on Celtic.
I am very excited about the football tomorrow. Very much looking forward to it.
If Peter Lawwell were not to take up the invite. I want to be the first if accusing him of being Peter Lawwell ;-)
SFTB
I will be whooping but sober. I have had more ear drum pain than actual foot pain after my antics against Barca.
Benfica trying to goad Celtic out …cant see it being 3.0 ……3.2 more like ;-)
HH
That shoul read of being Ernie Lynch ;-)
Monteblanco.
I ain’t too clever. Just don’t get any logic out of why our board would in any way seek to undermine GB.
I do think many do play victim card. Often very quick to seek conspiricy when it is not always there. Granted sometimes it is shown to be correct. But not too often.
I do get why GB might seek to enhance their status as happens in club vs ultra dialogues across Europe.
JJ
Did you manage to tune in ?
Mullet,
Add to that the police officer said he received info from Celtic that the EG csc member was planning a trip to Lisbon and I think you have a serious od of bs.
wonder if after the game the members of barcelona board complemented the celtic board on a display that has been
lauded worldwide,replied-we didn’t do it.
john o neil…..
Aye….
Our Lightweight,Posturing,Wanabbee Activist Gadfly Fae The Western Isles….
With The Trendy,Fatuous Moniker….
He Simply Can’t Get Enough….
Attention….That Is…!
Do I Recall Glimpsing Him Doing Fist Bumps With George Clooney,Brad Pitt
And Matt Damone…..
When They Were Down In Sudan….
Trying To Draw The World’s Attention To The Genocide Of 1•5 Million Black Sudanese Darfurians In Western Sudan…
And Attempted Ethnic Cleansing Of The Remainder….
Into Neighbouring Chad……?
Perpetrated By Their Arab Islamist Masters In The Khartoum Regime Since 2006…
The Unfortunate Darfurians Happened To Live In The Territory Where The Richest Oil Reserves Were Located….
I’m Fairly Sure I Can Recall A Million-Man March In Bradford…..
With Gorgeous George Galloway Demanding That The British Government Intervene Militarily…..
To Save The Darfurians From Their Evil Genocidal Overlords…..
But I Had A Heavy Cold That Weekend…
So It Could All Be A Figment Of My Febrile Imagination…..
And Of Course,There’s No Need To Mention The Genocide By The Khartoum Regime of 1•5 Million Black Christians In Southern Sudan…..
Who Have Been Fighting For Their Own State Since The Mid-60s….
Nothing To See Here….
Look Away Martha…!
Mebbies The Cause Of Black Sudanese Just Isn’t SEXY Enough For Precious B.O.
?
But,Of Course….Perhaps B.O. Couldn’t Wrangle Any More ‘Sick-Leave’ From His Wee Cooncil Job…?
http://notonourwatchproject.org/
Mullet and Co
21:41 on 19 November, 2012
The GB reckon that Celtic have given plod names and addresses of their members.
Have Celtic denied this?
Awe Naw
“I have had more ear drum pain than actual foot pain after my antics against Barca.”
I’ll try not to shout too loud if we score, then :-)
Anyways, I’m with sftb. I’m done with it for now.
C’mon the hoops!!!
Dear fellow Celtic family members;
Recently myself and six others took on the pledge to do something for 125 4 125, we took part in a 243 mile cycle from Ballymote county Sligo (birthplace of brother Walfrid) to Paradise
I must admit when I first seen 125 4 125 being advertised back in August, i was a bit confused about what the point was , got confused with that and the lottery which was also launched on the same day we were giving out leaflets advertising the up and coming bucket collection for Oscar
The reason for my message, I guess that there may be others out here that perhaps don’t fully understand 125 4 125
In this special year, I would suggest that it may be worth having a read of link below……which may help
http://www.everyclick.com/1254125_cycle_ballymote_to_glasgow_2012_paulmuldoon_225_miles/info
Thereafter during up and coming year, would call on fellow family members to Pledge to raise 125 4 125
I would also ask you to pass on message and the good work about the charity and how they aim to help others less fortunate
Your pledge / programme does not need to be as strenuous as a 243 mile cycle, however please consider doing something
In spirit of brother Walfrid I leave that thought with you….
@67mouldy67
@1254125
Couldn’t agree more with the views expressed here on league reconstruction:
http://gordonjohnston.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/thoughts-on-restructuring-scottish-football/
The tightest SPL in seasons. top 7 teams covered by 6 points, bottom 5 teams covered by 6 points. Reconstruction????
2 splits across 3 leagues after 22 games? :(
potential for the same top 12 teams year after year? :(
8 teams guaranteed no relegation half way through a season regardless of how close the league is at that point? :(
8 teams with nothing to play for at the bottom of the table some of which could potantially be only goal difference outside the top four of the third league at halfway? :(
What a load of horlicks.
I don’t see one, not a single one benefit from either of the proposals put forward.
TET
No. I will change to Chrome and try another time. Really is goodnight this time! Hope all is well in the Cave!
JJ
You can film anything in a public place, for your own protection that would also include the police ask for the uniform number and what they would like to talk about. Record and share video
Chachacha
They didn’t organise the display, but they did contribute to the night.
A team isn’t a bunch of people who all attempt to do the same things the whole time. People have different roles and different talents. Thank God.
But Burnley78 makes a very good point about accountability. We live in a world in which nothing can be hidden. Therefore, the only option is to make sure you have nothing to hide. The board cannot say one thing and do another and avoid being found out.
Nor can the police. Not these days.
Thanks for the info on the Spanish telly everyone much appreciated. I feel another awesome night coming on. Was at the last one in Lisbon and am confident we will put on a proper show this time around. Hail hail.
Vespacide
21:52 on 19 November, 2012
It’s verboten to use a camera at CP.
Read the stadium regulations.
mullet..,
I’m sure that supporter has had previous similar actions against him dropped or found not guilty.
But suffice to say “Innocent till proven Guilty” seems to be the norm across the land except at Celtic park.
Whilst it could be argued that the level of Police interest in the GB is no more than any other “suspect” group attached to a football club would receive, there does seem a general Police over reaction, which can only be described as, at best, disproportionate.
Surely we now have a situation where some senior figure connected to the club, at least has to have a quiet word with the authorities, in order to prevent further abuse of civil liberties, not experienced at any other football ground across the country.
Burnley78
How many fans entering the ground in any other area apart from 111 get addressed on first name terms by the police? How do the police manage to get the names of fans?
The clue is in the fact that 111 is the most filmed part of the ground and season tickets are allocated on a seat by seat basis to named individuals. These records are not held by the police, they are held by the club.
Strange, curious even.
……..Dear fellow Celtic family members…….
Recently myself and six others took on the pledge to do something for 125 4 125, we took part in a 243 mile cycle from Ballymote county Sligo (birthplace of brother Walfrid) to Paradise
I must admit when I first seen 125 4 125 being advertised back in August, i was a bit confused about what the point was , got confused with that and the lottery which was also launched on the same day we were giving out leaflets advertising the up and coming bucket collection for Oscar
The reason for my message, I guess that there may be others out here that perhaps don’t fully understand 125 4 125
In this special year, I would suggest that it may be worth having a read of link below……which may help
http://www.everyclick.com/1254125_cycle_ballymote_to_glasgow_2012_paulmuldoon_225_miles/info
Thereafter during up and coming year, would call on fellow family members to Pledge to raise 125 4 125
I would also ask you to pass on message and the good work about the charity and how they aim to help others less fortunate
Your pledge / programme does not need to be as strenuous as a 243 mile cycle, however please consider doing something
In spirit of brother Walfrid I leave that thought with you….
@67mouldy67
@1254125
On league reconstruction
the spl must then drop the standards of stadium to accommodate their proposals, how dies this improve the game
I wouldn’t put anything past the Police – at Helen St or elsewhere. Recently my brother, who is somewhat of the black sheep was detained at Partick Station. They told my mum in person, not down the phone, that he had be placed on remand at Barlinnie, so she goes off to try and find out how to see him there etc – as she’d forgotten since last time. Only to receive a call from my brother’s lawyer that he’d been released without charge.
Oops, sorry – was more or less the reply when she phoned Partick to make a complaint. Ridiculous.
Ernie
verboten it may be, but it is done on a regular basis in every football ground in the UK.
Have you heard of youtube?
If its as bad as being claimed then gathering evidence is a must, tbh I doubt it is as bad as being claimed.
If your a grown man and get a football banning order you need to have a look in the mirror.
HH
ernie lynch,
The GB reckon that Celtic have given plod names and addresses of their members.
Have Celtic denied this?
—————————————————————————-
Answer. No
But are they required by law to supply?
Is there a data protection ‘issue’?
You seem certain Ernie that the club are complicit here. What proof do you have other than a statement from god knows who?