The learning period and experimentation is over. Neil Lennon will play a more familiar looking line-up on Sunday, with James Forrest on the right, Ryan Christie in the middle. Neither are as effective in other positions.
Odsonne Eduard will be given every chance. He, Boli Bolingoli, Jonny Hayes and Mohamed Elyounoussi have all been allowed to recuperate from various strains in recent weeks. Even if they all pass fitness tests, due to their common injury type, Neil has to consider the high possibility of a relapse in their first outing. This could force early substitutions in a game that could go to extra-time.
These permutations make a lottery out of guessing our left flank. Bolingoli or Hayes at left back, with Elyounoussi or Mikey Johnston at left-mid. Johnston is back from injury and in sparkling form. He played a crucial role in the win at Ibrox in September when these two teams last met but Neil Lennon may prefer Elyounoussi to add a greater physical presence.
Jeremie Frimpong will almost certainly get the nod ahead of Moritz Bauer, with Hatem Elhamed still injured (from yet another strain). The regular core of the side: Kristoffer Ajer, Christopher Jullien, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Fraser Forster, will all play.
This is not an occasion for an inexperienced winger to play centre forward. Lewis Morgan is at the very early stages of learning this role, if Eduard is not fit, Leigh Griffiths should start.
Whoever loses on Sunday will leave Hampden knowing they have bigger fish to fry this season, but the victory will make anything and everything seem possible for the winners.
In Celtic’s favour, they have players who have regularly been through challenges like this and come away with the win. Players like McGregor, Forrest and Brown could write a manual on how to win at Hampden. We can also expect a match-winning performance from James Forrest.
After recovering from a two-goal deficit against Newco on Wednesday, Aberdeen manager, Derek McInnes, spoke about the aggression his team showed to get back into the game. On Sunday, both teams will be hyped up and ready for the battle, managing that aggression, however, will be important. Celtic are clear favourites but a careless red card would change that.
Tom Rogic signed shirt raffle for Celtic FC Foundation
The Celtic squad wore a special shirt for last month’s league game against Motherwell, bearing the Celtic FC Foundation Christmas Appeal logo instead of the normal Dafabet logo on the front, and the words “Christmas Appeal” on the back, instead of the Magners logo.
Tom Rogic’s signed shirt from that day is available for raffle. Each donation of £10 or more will be entered into a draw, which will take place on Friday 13 December. The shirt will be posted on Monday 16th (or available for collection at the Hibs game on Sunday 15th).
The Celtic FC Foundation do incredible work throughout the world all year round, but their work with those most in need in the winter months, and for children and families coping with chronic poverty, can give warmth, nourishment, self-respect and human compassion that some people struggle to find. All donations go straight to the Foundation.
This is why Celtic exists. You can enter here at JustGiving. Good luck and thank you!!
363 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- »
This will leave you open mouthed
Outrageous goal from Suarez
https://youtu.be/fySgJEDCpM4
Pitch inspection 9am
Climb out of bed at 03:30 to watch Joshua win easily. Our game starts at 22:00 gonnae be a long day.
Just win the cup Bhoys and let slippy g end 2019 winning eff all zIlch,nothing and 5 month before they can get near any trophy.
In Lenny we trust. HH
CALLUM
CALLUM McGregor.
There isnae any Better.
POTY for me.
Effortlessly Good in Every game.
Gamble respo…….
Anytime scorer – staying away frae any bets on this game.
COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN.
It has been a stormy night here in Greenock.
My father leaves the mortal world after a courageous fight that shames the devil.
Give him your prayers please. And a Celtic win today.
God bless him.
Bill HIggins.
Port Glasgow born and bred.
R.I.P. Bill Higgins.
Thoughts and prayers with those who will mourn his passing.
Peace be upon you all.
RIP Bill Higgins, thoughts and prayers with you and yours in their time of grief
Rest in peace Bill,prayers offered
3-0 today would be just fine
HH
Why the team always leaked ? Christie upfront and Eddy on bench according to Jeff Colby – hope that rain continues!
G.G.
A French cracker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx2HAMDKe5o
Sorry for your loss St Stivs.
FT
SAINT STIVS on 8TH DECEMBER 2019 6:44 AM
Deepest sympathy to you and to all yours.
SAINT STIVS
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss Saint Stivs
RIP Bill Higgins
Stivs………..
Our Thoughts and Prayers!
HH.
St Stivs
Your dad & your family will be in our prayers at 10am mass today
Good morning CQN from a dreich Garngad
St Stivs, prayers will be said for your dad. God bless.
Hail Hail
D. :)
Today we unleash Hell on the whole Orc community.
Pass and move, ball retention is key. It’s a simple game, starve the opposition of the ball and they cannot hurt you. Seemples.
3-1 to the Bhoys
HH
D. :)
St. Stivs –
Sorry for your loss.
R.I.P. Bill Higgins.
Will remember Bill in my prayers.
Game on no pitch inspection required say SPL
Eddy to wreak havoc from the bench
I see Lazio beat Juve yesterday. If the team that beat Lazio turn up today then Sevco will be played off the pitch.
Good morning, friends, from a rather wet and very windy East Kilbride. Happy Ten In A Row Day!
Sorry for your sad loss of your dad St Stivs. Rest In Peace Bill Higgins. Take care if yourself mate, thoughts with you and your family.
Thoughts and Prayers with all the family St Stivs
May Bill Higgins Rest In Peace
And May Perpetual Light Shine upon him
St Stivs, may your father rest in peace.
Saint Stivs,sorry to hear about your loss.
RIP Bill Higgins
SAINT STIVS
Sincere condolences on the loss of your Father. My thoughts are with you and your family. It is a terrible pain that you all have to bear today. That pain will lessen and be replaced with pride and happy memories, in time.
Sorry for your loss Stivs.
R.I.P Bill Higgins.
Sad news, Saint Stivs. Bill Higgins RIP.
St Stivs,
So sorry to hear about your Loss.
Rest in Peace Bill.
Stay strong m8ty.
St. Stivs and family
May you father enjoy eternal life starting with a trophy for Celtic today.
May you be comforted by the memories that you have of him.
St. Stivs
RIP your father Bill Higgins.
St Stivs. Condolences on your loss. May your father Bill Higgins rest in peace.
RIP Bill Higgins.
Condolences to all the family and friends.
If the weather at kick-off this afternoon is anything like what it is down here, I can’t see the game being played. It is wild, windy and very very wet.
Sad news, St Stivs. A real sore one. Thoughts with you and your family.
St Stivs
Your Dad is at peace after his long fight. Take care my friend and I hope your team wins today.
HH
CRC