The wind will make it uncomfortable to be out and about in the Glasgow night but it will have a big impact on this evening’s game. Any team hoping to prosper from playing long-ball football is likely to flounder but it will be equally difficult for defenders facing balls that drop into their penalty areas.
Goalkeepers in particular face a difficult challenge. Rangers will not expect to have a great deal of possession around our penalty area so you can expect them to shoot early and from distance in the hope of exploiting the wind. There is probably a distance Celtic will be happy to see them shoot from but any space sub-30 yards from goal must be closed down.
Perhaps the most important preparation Celtic can do today would be to send Ki out with a bag of balls to get his shooting eye in. He has the ability to score from outside the box against any keeper in the world. Rangers’ McGregor doesn’t cope with a bit of movement in the ball, just ask Kris Commons, so will not look forward to seeing the ball fall to Ki in a shooting position.
Celtic’s most effective out-ball in recent weeks, high to the left wing for Georgios Samaras, will be difficult to make effective. The short passing game will be more profitable; Ki and Scott Brown in particular will need to fancy the game today. If we get a top performance out of both the result is not in doubt.
James Forrest is an fitness concern for Neil Lennon but he is a player who will worry Rangers manager, Ally McCoist, so I expect him to start, even if he’s not 100%. He has the kind of pace no defence in the league can cope with, he creates and scores goals. When he gets the ball, look out for how alert Rangers become. This is panic. Forrest will make it easier for others to find space, look for runs into the box from midfielders when he’s on the ball.
It would be a huge gamble to bring Emilio Izaguirre back into the starting line-up for this game after a four month injury lay-off but he is such an important player to how Neil Lennon wants Celtic to play I wouldn’t be surprised to see him. Celtic need to control the ball in midfield and Emilio’s composure is a huge advantage in this respect. 60 minutes from him might be enough to give us the edge.
Gary Hooper will score.
The most important question for tonight is who will be able to maintain discipline. Celtic’s recent narrow home wins against Kilmarnock, Hearts and Dunfermline should have been more comfortable but the visitors maintained composure throughout and gave themselves a good chance as a result. Rangers are a better team than any of these three but discipline and composure are not words you would use to describe today’s visitors. The most important thing for Celtic could be to frustrate Rangers and have the patience to wait for the opportunity to take advantage.
Get ready for a classic Glasgow night.
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jackie mac says
Cheers mate.
Live updates article will be up at 19:!5, could someone leave a note here?
Thanks.
Italiabhoy, brilliant news. My best wishes to you all.
will do Paul, once I’ve participated in the podium hunt ;)
Here’s a wee somethin’ from someone who may not even feature tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48RqQqj9L5I
TAL
I have heard a few mentions around that form goes out the window when trying to predict the result in these games. Apart from the fact that that is simply not the case, would those `mentions` have anything to do with the fact that Celtic are the form team this time?
Incidentally, where is Edward Ursus these days?
JJ
All the to Italiabhoy and the family Italiabhoy…welcome wee on to the Worlwide Celtic Family..
Congratulazioni…
ItaliaBhoy says:
28 December, 2011 at 17:30
Congratulations.
Deo Gratias.
Wet’n’wild in west Donegal
Sharkeys and no beer or Bonners and beer
Decisions, decisions!!!!!!!!
1-0 Hoops
Hhplc
why has Sharkeys got no beer?
Well off to the Soliel bar via the Cambridge, where big daft Davie from Airdrie will ask me for a bet on the game.
I will say no of course and then after indulging in another pint on an empty head he will give me the draw.
I will then accept the bet just to make him happy.
Same script every Celtic v them game, it’s like watching the same movie over and over.
Enjoy your evening lhads, Hail Hail.
JJ
Ed was on earlier with Christmas wishes
Just got off the phone from my friend who has the ticket at Paradise! Could barely hear him above the wind!
Hail! Hail!
Celtic_First
Do you remember big Angus, the Man City u19 goalie?
Well check him out:
AngusGunn01 Angus Gunn
Can’t wait for the Old firm game tonight, who does everyone want to win ?? @tonywatt14 I’m backing celtic !! #howmanyfights
AngusGunn01 Angus Gunn
Celtic songs are much better than Rangers aswell !! #ijustcan’tgetenough
:0)
SwanseaBhoy
pub
McGregor, Bocanegra and Jelavic were all touch and go fitness wise today, according to Snyde.
In other news, Jelavic to this, that and the next EPL struggler for God knows how many tens of millions.
I feel Sammy has got the wrong hair for a windy, wet night. Hope broonie has got his clippers with him!!
SwanseaBhoy
How could I forget? Imagine big Angus giving us a mention after the pounding he took from the Liverpool Packie Bonner Massive, plus us, that night? Fair play to the lad.
SwanseaBhoy says:
28 December, 2011 at 18:10
Celtic_First
Do you remember big Angus, the Man City u19 goalie?
He was not that great that night in Hyde but good to know he supports the Bhoys.
@VaughanCricket
Michael Vaughan Love the old firm game.. Always looks a unbelievable atmosphere.. #justcantgetenough
@JasonRoberts30
Jason Roberts Had a few Wagers with the Rangers Boys at Brockhall (I am outnumbered) ..Green & White is decking the Roberts Household..
@BBannan25
Barry Bannan Excited for the Celtic game can’t wait come on the boys !!!
Some more tweets!
Any team news yet?
dangers media post have Mcshagger, Jellyfish and Bocanegra undergoing fitness test
http://forum.rangersmedia.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=206733
You ghuys are obviously censoring all the pro-Rangers tweets.
Barry Bannan is a fine enough young player but he’s going to have to sharpen up his spelling of Bhoys.
Celtic Soul Brother- Supporting Kano 1000 says:
28 December, 2011 at 18:15
You in town yet?????
Parked up . Cannae wait for game .
Come on you bhoys in green
Jist getting everything together….finishing putting a wee press on the saltire …..im east of GB ..HOPE THE WEE BREEZE KEEPS UP AS ARMS START TO ACHE AFTER WEE WJHILE
Jason Roberts is a big Celtic Bhoy. Always saying so on 5 live.
Would be a good signing. Think he would love it.
Pre-match snooze. Check
Plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Check.
Lucky socks. Check.
All is well.
Kittoch
Ha!
One Just walk-able, one just drive-able (in this wind)
Hhplc
Jason Roberts
The team I supportI’m a secret Celtic fan. I’m excited we’ve brought in some good players, and we played some great stuff last season. I’m a big fan of Neil Lennon, and I like the way he handled last season. Even though we didn’t win the title, we made some big strides, and he’s a man we can rely on. Emilio Izaguirre is an outstanding left-back, so we must keep hold of him. With another year’s experience I think we’ll be going for the title. I’ll be up there for the Old Firm!
Italia Bhoy- congratulations and good health. HH.
Whittaker out for Rangers.
McGregor
Broadfoot Bocanegra Bartley Papac
Elbows Davis Edu Wallace Lafferty
Jelavic
WayneRooney Wayne Rooney
Come on the hoops. Win tonight and go top.
Psyching myself up for the game – COME ON. Re runs of The Rebhel Alliance V The Dark Side being streamed at the moment. Classic game from the Seville season played at Ibroke Celtic 2-1 up (Thommo Pen and BBJ finishing off a sublime move).
Come on ye Bhoys in Green
Italiabhoy,
Congratulations !!
If we win tonight. You will remember this game for ever.
Well done to all concerned.
Hail Hail
googybhoy ♥ O’ Sheas on 28th says:
28 December, 2011 at 18:17
Celtic Soul Brother- Supporting Kano 1000 says:
Not yet-Picking my eldest up from his work at 7.30pm so will be there just before K.O.-see you then!
TBB
Good to see the huns going for the adventurous and attacking option
NOT!
HH
Yawn. Morning troops Summi you up yet?
On the 5:20 train to cheers
Pubs in Glasgow must be bouncing
Be safe bhoys. There are bad people around
ST
C’mon the Hoops. Hail! Hail!
hailhailplc
Walk it because you are only gonna have to leave the car when the seventh goes in.