It’s been a while since Celtic have taken the field without Kris Commons or John Guidetti in the team. Commons was absent through injury on Saturday while Guidetti was largely peripheral to proceedings after opening the scoring, but they are the two most capable match winners in the squad right now.
With Guidetti ineligible I’m sure Ronny Deila will give Commons every chance to make the starting line-up, the manager needs goals and Kris is the great creator. This requirement will have to be accommodated alongside the performance of the midfield on Saturday, led by Stefan Johansen in a more advanced than usual position.
Astra are bottom of the group and we can anticipate they will defend deeply, a scenario made for Commons’ close control and ability to shoot from the edge of the box.
Many thanks to everyone who donated to Mary’s Meals while we ran the competition to win a pair of tickets for the Kilmarnock game, courtesy of club sponsor Magners. Thanks also to Magners for their help.
Thanks to those who ordered Caesar & the Assassin, the accounts of Billy McNeill and Davie Hay as Celtic managers, yesterday. It documents the period of our history from when Billy took over from Jock Stein in 1978, through to the end of his era 13 years later, including Davie Hay’s four years in charge.
Billy and Davie will both sign the early orders we get to them, more here.
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Jobo Baldie
13:30 on
23 October, 2014
“Currently dry as I pass Bishopbriggs.”
you or the weather?….
Why is the new book called “Caesar and the Assassin” when Billy’s nickname was “Cesar.”?
setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox but saying no to CQN racists.
This team are better than all other SPL outfits including United and Aberdeen.
You’re wrong there -)))))
Tonyg
on bt sports 1
so it’s pay tv for us as usual whereas the fat cats of the epl get on freeview itv 4
murdi
Kept failing the spell checker
Gary67
12:32 on 23 October, 2014
Scepovic (or Griffiths) for Guidetti should be the only changes from Saturday. KC on the bench, if fit, ready to come on later if required.
_____________
A G Reed
Commons gives us a big tactical headache. He is by far our biggest goal threat, no doubt. If we don’t play him, then even if we dominate, creates lots of chances but don’t win, the manager will be slaughtered. If we do play him however, the midfield looks nowhere near as secure in possesion, or defensively. His inclusion against Zagreb meant we got a crucial goal, but you saw how open we were in the second half until he was taken off for Kayal to shore things up.
The midfield looks far better like this:
Mulgrew
Brown Johansen
than it does like this:
Brown Johansen
Commons
Personally I think I’d like us to go for a more solid 3 and develop the goalscoring & assist potential of others in the team. Use Kris as an impact sub. Difficult decision for Ronny though.
Hearing sad news about Lisbon Lion Tommy.
Listen. Is that the sound of the Fat Lady clearing her throat over Ibrox way?
Looks like Mr. David Cunningham King, has fled with his tail between his legs.
HH
Hope to God twitter is wrong about oor Tommy
Won’t make the BV today as I have to pick my bhoy up at the airport but will see some of u bhoys in the lounge. Heading to Germany tomorrow with my bhoy to see Dortmund play at the weekend.
Bought some stuff from our own TET…fantastic quality..posted on the CQN Facebook page..go on go on go on…give him a wee turn..
Kikinthenakas
Jobo Baldie 13:51 on 23 October, 2014
“Hearing sad news about Lisbon Lion Tommy”
Don’t like the sound of that.
JamesGang, be careful what you wish for.
I have seen ACGR in the legendary Onsie.
The scars are permanent.
Wee victory for tonight please bhoys.
don’t go ruining my bhoys 13th birthday or yeez will be getting pelters fae faither.
MWD said AYE
cavansam \o/
I don’t think he is good enough to be honest. When he moved to Hibs on a bosman I remember saying to my dad that we missed a trick. He went on to prove that in his first season.
He has never really done it for us in Europe and has had plenty of chances.
He has played 23 games for us in Europe and score 2 goals. Both against Rennes (in the season he was great)
Griff must start tonight!!!!
Paul the Tim has posted on twitter that Tommy has passed away.
Hope to god it’s wrong
But Stokes is probably our best link up player. Commons wouldn’t be the same without him, whereas Stokes seems to bring the best out of his ‘partner’.
I made my slight return to CQN because my frustration with Commons and his high profile began to drive me nuts. The goals have been great, often spectacular, but the rest of his play has been consistently unreliable (which I think is often worse than poor when you’re trying to beat a good team) – you just don’t know what will happen when the ball goes near him. Same issue with Ambrose at RB, it’s the unpredictability which is most destructive – their team-mates don’t know what to do; supporting run, drop off for the pass, give up on the attack and get back in to deal with the inevitable counter attack…
Commons could be a difference maker tonight, but, if Astra turn out to be any good, then he’ll hinder our ability to control the game. Sadly for Commons fans, I think control of the ball and tempo is RD’s big plan.
Also, the team at the weekend looks close, closest so far to a competitive outfit at this level.
Whatever, I’m looking forward to a meaningful Celtic fixture.
Jonny the Tim 13:53 on 23 October, 2014
“Listen. Is that the sound of the Fat Lady clearing her throat over Ibrox way?
“Looks like Mr. David Cunningham King, has fled with his tail between his legs.”
I had King’s leaving after 10 days on the Lord Lucan Sweepstake.
I think he was here for 11 days. Close but no cigar…
burghbhoy
13:58 on 23 October, 2014
Paul the Tim has posted on twitter that Tommy has passed away.
Hope to god it’s wrong
__________________________________________________________________________
Been trying to find out more, but it appears to be genuine,
RIP Tommy.
HH
Burghbhoy-just heard same.
Who’s the 2 players Jackie has “taken out of the limelight”??
Jude
Guess. Paton and Wilson.
big TAM my fav CELTIC player.have the club made a statement yet???
Jude.
Paton and Mark Wilson.
I’m surprised about the inclusion of Mark Wilson. Though, he was supposed to have arrived after the assault like Goodwin.
Sad to hear of another legend
Thers an old saying in football. The goals dont move. Cld sumdae tell Scepovic?
Remember seeing Tommy at CQTen and didn’t recognise him at first. Ole BSR was claiming to have been his paper boy
RIP Tommy G
Som mes
Oh dear! ta
Marc wilson has released a statement saying he was out with his wife and tried to help a friend and ex colleague.
paton hasn’t said anything.. via BBC.
JOBO.embra tae EAST K. via BISHOPBRIGGS.????????either you got a young burd or nae insurance !!!!!!!
ps emday heard frae JUNGLE JIM.he has not posted his team for RONNY yet.
Is Cunningham code for sleekit swine?
A work colleague has just told me that Alvin Stardust’s son was the headmaster at his kids’ school. (Makes me fee very old)
Imagine being at a school where the headmaster wears great big shiny rings over the top of his leather gloves.
I think it would be great if more pop star offspring went into teaching
Gene Simmons perhaps…or Ziggy era Bowie….
…..or Alice Cooper. School would be out for ever
favourite uncle
What, you think I drive the trains?
TBM has confirmed that big Tam is fine and well
murdi
13:42 on
23 October, 2014
Why is the new book called “Caesar and the Assassin” when Billy’s nickname was “Cesar.”?
===========================
I had that debate yesterday with Winning Captain,who said they are both correct and that Billy had opted for the Caesar version,which I found strange, as it contradicts Page 23 of his 2004 Autobiography.
Strange in my view.
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family
14:10 on
23 October, 2014
“TBM has confirmed that big Tam is fine and well”
BT thank you for that good news
Just got info that the TG rumour is not true.
MWD said AYE