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Don’t expect an easy semi, James and Patrick, Here we go again

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By on CQN BLOG & Comments

Kilmarnock had a pretty ropy start to the season, defeats to Motherwell and Ross County coming either side of a win at Hamilton, but they travel to Celtic Park tomorrow on a run of three consecutive draws.

They will be confident of scoring (scored in five of their six league games while we’ve yet to keep a clean sheet), and there is the added incentive that if results to their way elsewhere, a win could see they jump to fifth, behind Celtic, Hearts, St Johnstone and Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers will have a few selection options to consider with Champions League duty coming up on Wednesday. For these two games we’re going to perm two from Toure, Sviatchenko and Simunovic in central defence, one of Dembele or Griffiths as striker, while Gamboa could make his Celtic Park debut tomorrow. I’m hoping for a straight back four against Manchester City.

The other big area of outfield competition in the team is for the right midfield berth. James Forrest and Patrick Roberts both make good cases for inclusion. Don’t be surprised to see them subbed for each other in each of our next two games.

I see a lot of confidence after the League Cup semi-final draw, pitting us against Newco next month. This game will be six weeks after the 5-1 drubbing at Celtic Park, when a vast chasm between the teams. I expect us to win, but I also expect a considerably more difficult time.

We had the run of the show earlier this month. Moussa Dembele mustn’t have been able to believe the space he got, something denied to him by more tactically aware teams like Alloa and Inverness.

We benefited from the capitulation of one central defender, Senderos, shortly after his partner was subbed as part of a tactical change. The sight of Joey Barton unable to get off the ground to intercept Mikael Lustig’s cross for Celtic’s fourth is unlikely to be repeated.

In short, Newco’s mistakes were so evident and avoidable they are bound not to be repeated. The semi-final will be a different game.

I’m not a conspiracy theorist about last night’s draw but the League Cup has been a financial lifeline to Newco, who were rewarded with large home attendances for earlier rounds, and will already be busy selling premium hospitality content for the semi-final. There could be enough income in this one to buy more Velcro for the roof.

Here we go again………

Hot on the heels of that magnificent news from Mary’s Meals that we will be feeding 650 school kids in Liberia for the next year, I’m running the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon for the Foundation on Sunday, 3 October.

We’re getting to that time of the year when the Foundation’s plans to assist those most chronically in need in our own community need to kick in. The winter challenges aid providers. It kills many poor and homeless.

If you can help, please do. There’s a MyDonate page here. Your money goes straight to the Foundation, where it will used quickly.

Thanks.

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  1. voguepunter on

    Sips

     

     

    You don’t need to go on twitter…loadapish!

     

    Just copy n paste like what I do.hh :O)

  4. Almore on

    HT: That’s what I thought. I’ll take him there if he guides me to a good café. He’s bringing his butler so he’ll fetch the drinks. No need for a kitty:-)

     

     

    Guy: cheers. In which direction?

  7. butsybhoy on

    ALMORE on 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016 8:40 PM

     

    Anybody know what is the nearest café to Celtic Park?

     

     

    Think you mean Beer cafe

     

     

    HH

  8. Lennybhoy on

    PHILBHOY on 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016 9:14 PM

     

    I am well mate, Christine will enjoy it. Olivia having been before knows what to expect and knows she will enjoy it.

     

    My normal seat in 105 tomorrow, after rattling a bucket for the Kano Foundation.

     

    See the three of you next Saturday.

     

    Keep the Faith!

     

    Hail Hail!

  9. Philbhoy on

    GFTB

     

     

    The wee yins first game was the SCF v Well. 3-0 to us.

     

     

    She has been to a number of games all at CP.

     

     

    She has only witnessed victories.

     

     

    You have it all to look forward to!

     

     

    You going to the Hoot?

  10. Lennybhoy on

    BUTSYBHOY on 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016 9:27 PM

     

    That be a longer walk, it’/ in Candleriggs…I’ll get my Coat…:)

     

    Keep the Faith!

     

    Hail Hail!

  12. Philbhoy on

    LENNYBHOY

     

     

    Looking forward to that.

     

     

    I’ll be there early, they pop in later to take me home!

  19. Lennybhoy on

    ALMORE on 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016 9:16 PM

     

    You have mail and I might get introduced to you tomorrow, think we’ve to be there for 12:30.

     

    Keep the Faith!

     

    Hail Hail!

  21. vfr800a8 on

    ALMORE on 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016 9:16 PM

     

    VFR: I’m doing the Kano collection so if I pop in it would be around midday. I usually walk up from the Gallowgate. Where is it from there?

     

    ________________________________________________

     

    One street up. Turn left after Morrisons.

     

     

    FAC the Act

     

     

    KTF

  27. bankiebhoy1 on

    SFTB………..

     

     

    Thanks for the Sutty link…………………….glorious and refreshing.

     

     

    Well done Big Chris, good job – hunskelper, summa cum laude.

     

     

    Keevins was risible and nauseating.

     

     

    They don’t like it up thum.

     

     

    Guid.

  30. Lennon n Mc....Mjallby on

    Just listened to the Clyde thing via a link earlier,maybe it was a bad copy and I couldn’t get to hear it all properly but I can’t hear what all the fuss was about regards Sutton owning the fat yin,as the saying goes,what telly was I watching?

     

     

    I was expecting the fat yin to be almost in tears or stumped for words.

     

     

    I probably need to hear a better recording.

  32. GuyFawkesaforeverhero on

    Almore on 23rd September 2016 9:26 pm

     

     

    Yes, I’ll keep going. Why wouldn’t I?

     

     

    Find your way to Cesar waving the big cup in Govan’s coupon. Cross the road towards England and meander anti-clockwise to the Emirates front door. You’re in.

     

     

    Before, when I typed breakfast I didn’t mean an Alfredo’s breakfast. My apologies. Enjoy your visit, comrade

  33. butsybhoy on

    ALMORE on 23RD SEPTEMBER 2016 9:31 PM

     

    Butsybhoy: Liquid breakfast:-)

     

     

     

    say hello to the lads for me

     

     

    going to the game pal

     

    Here in Glasgow next week.

     

    best of luck with the collection at the match.

     

     

    Might catch up later

     

     

    HH

  35. Gerryfaethebrig on

    Philbhoy 9.29pm

     

     

    On a tight schedule next Saturday which means am not allowed out all day (wee boss’s orders) but might be in town around midday so if BMCUWP doesn’t mind I might watch the Hoops at Dens in the BV if I can remember where the BV is, only been in it once after a wedding at the Corinthian and I can’t remember where the Corinthian is either ! I’ve only worked in the town for nearly 30yrs

  36. THE EXILED TIM on

    Just listened to the Sutty thing again, I could feel BFDJ’s hate, the Helium was in overdrive, as for hevins, he so much wishes he had the balls to say what Chris said, he wants to but won’t, IMO.

  37. Almore on

    Lennybhoy: got the mail and hopefully see you tomorrow.

     

     

    VFR: Thanks. I know where that is. What time will you be there?

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