Since winning at top of the table Gothenburg on 12 April, Malmo have played 9 away games. They beat Lithuanians, Zalgiris, their first Champions League opponents and won at 8th placed Gelfe, but they could only manage draws away to 13th Falkenberg, 15th, Orebro and 16th (bottom) Atvidaberg.
They lost away to 8th placed Gelfe, 11th placed Kalmar, and Salzburg in the previous Champions League qualifying round. They think they can perform miracles at home, but confidence and form on the road is at rock bottom. One away win in over four months of domestic football is nothing short of a crisis for the defending champions – and they play through the summer in Sweden.
Not only that, but they are without two suspended players on Wednesday. Midfielder, Enoch Kofi was ordered off against Salzburg but Malmo’s biggest worry is the suspension to talismanic striker, Markus Rosenberg.
Rosenberg, 32, re-joined Malmo last year after a career which took him to Ajax, Werder Bremen, Racing Santander and West Brom. He’s scored in each of his last three outings, including one against Salzburg and one against Gothenburg. It’s no understatement to say there is real anxiety at his absence. Rosenberg’s form has masked a fragility which only a month ago brought innuendo from the coach, Age Hareide, and chairman, Hakan Jeppsson. The latter claiming the total value of the team was less than its constituent parts, with Hareide making oblique comments about where his players’ thoughts lie.
The more I learn about them, Malmo sound like they could crack under some sustained Celtic Park pressure.
They know lots about Celtic and, with form and suspensions, they will come to mix it physically and plan to break with pace in the hope of snatching a goal. Such is the difference in their home and away form (the have won their last four home games, scoring 10 and conceding only once), a two goal defeat tomorrow night would be viewed with encouragement in Sweden.
Malmo are aware of Celtic’s threat in the air, specifically from set-pieces. They will deploy three central defenders in a back five, in an attempt to subvert the way Qarabag and Inverness were overcome at Celtic Park recently. One of the central defenders is certain to be Kari Arnason, 32, who left Aberdeen after a single season three years ago, on a free to then-League Two Rotherham.
This, together with a desire to break with pace, will be the essence of their game plan. They expect Nadir Ciftci to lead the line. If he does, the biggest part of his evening may be to occupy a clutch of defenders, creating space for others to exploit.
Kalmar have won only twice since beating Malmo in May. Jo Inge Berget opened the scoring for Malmo in the 11th minute, but the champions collapsed late on, under pressure from Kalmar and their 7,800 fans.
We’ve faced Swedish champions twice in the last four years. Kris Commons scored the first goal in each of the ties. The script is written, Celtic.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about Hareide’s belief that the threat from Celtic comes mostly from the stands, not from the players……..
You’ll have noticed it’s back to school week. There will be a collection of old/used backpacks and school bags for Mary’s Meals to take to Malawi, outside Celtic Park, before the St Johnstone game on 29 August. If you have any lying around, hold onto them and bring them to the game, I’ll remind you closer to the time.
We have another bumblebee top to give away, courtesy of Magners. Competition will start and end tomorrow, so look out for it!
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This is the day This is the day
When our History’s made when our history’s made
We will rejoice we will rejoice
And be glad in it and be glad in it.
This is the day when the Celtic play
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day this is the day
When the Champions play.
Hail Hail and NSNO
Match day. Come on the Hoops!
HT
Non, non, non, mon ami, je suis le taupe :-)
Regards & Hail Hail
TBM
Mr Pastry @ 03.45
I think I know who it is..
https://youtu.be/qnVRGt8EE3s
Last week I dreamt (not quite The Smiths) that Malmo won 1-0 at CP. Now, I never remember my dreams, so this one was obviously memorable because it was a load of nonsense.
Mon the tic.
Boyata first scorer…
.
Celtic v Malmo
Live Audio for ALL subscribers. Video replay from 11pm. This is due to UEFA restrictions.
Streaming starts in 11 hours, 1 minutes
Summa
12 hours to go!!!
Would have Denayer back in a heartbeat but no way could we buy him.
Another loan?
Seems like his agent is getting him set for a transfer though.
If he came back…..
Defensive Midfielder
Hows this for a midfield in Ronny’s 4-2-3-1 set up
Denayer and Bitton with Denayer the holding player and Bitton to pull the strings.
Broony, Johansen and Stretch all in front of them to chase paper and goals.
Broony to the right and Johansen to the left with Stretch in between.
Sounds good to me.
Good morning CQNers,
One area where we’ve been lacking is discipline – we concede far too many free kicks and as a result are prone to getting the wrong side of referees and their yellow cards. Tonight’s game looks like being a close encounter and I suspect Paul67’s analysis is correct and Malmo will arrive with a physical game-plan.
With that in mind I think it will be a night for composure and a very disciplined performance.
One advantage we have is Ronny Deila goes into tonight’s game with a 4-1 advantage in the head-to-head encounters with Hareide from their days as Stromsgodset/Viking Stavanger managers respectively. That could prove important.
Can’t do the link thing but this is interesting http://visionarysportsinvestment.com/news/celtic-fcs-david-moss-talks-sporting-directors-and-saving-40-million/. Particularly
does anyone else find the scrolling really slow and annoying on the new site?
naw?
must just be me then!
Should have said particularly part about VVD.
Summa
That’s disappointing – LIVE audio is no good for my auld ticker.
Looks like I’ll have to find a dodgy internet feed again.
It’s great to know we’ve got a full strength squad to choose from, and I think they may be a bit weakened with a couple of suspensions: their captain and a midfielder.
Anything less than a 2-0 victory would leave the outcome of the tie in the balance.
Hopefully a packed Celtic Park will help us get a convincing win.
I had a quick look a the Herald site this morning.
CL qualifier – Scottish football’s most important game of the season so far – is the 6th sports article.
It seems a Petrified Cup tie in Ayr is the most important thing happening today…
It would be laughable, if it wasn’t so sad to see the state of sports coverage in Scotland today.
HH
Morning all.
Lovely so far down here but rain is forecast spreading east. So, it looks like it’s going to be a “singing in the rain” occasion in Parkhead tonight.
Mon Celtic.
WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED.
Du du du du du du du du du du du du
When I see you Celtic go out my head
I just can’t get enough………
SIXTYTAESEVEN,
I rarely read the Herald (and never the “sports section”). I think they are simply pandering to their demographic, like the rags. They must be in serious danger of going out of business.
Morning bhoys and ghirls. Sadly for me I am working until 10.30 tonight so it’s live updates for me.
On young Jason returning I would love this to happen, but I doubt it will as he will go to a club on the continent I think.
I have a good feeling about tonight so 3-0 broony to score.
HH
KTF
UTLR
Morning bhoys
Well, this is it….CL play off.
I think we will need to win 2, or 3-0.
I don’t think we should play for a 1-0….our away record overall is not great.
We should go for it in a measured way, we have been missing chances, but tonight we must take them.
Id rather see LG start. but no doubt that Ciftci will get the shout…..personally I cant see why, but lets see.
As for PL going to Croatia to underbid for a player…..what is the point of that?
Its just a waste of money.
And PL comes back without the player.
HH
NEIL LENNON & MCCARTNEY on 19TH AUGUST 2015 3:43 AM
saltires en sevilla,
“Would love to see Jason D back for another season”
Me too!
But I think Celtic should be looking to sign him. I think he “got” Celtic last season and that he would love to come back to Paradise if he’s no longer in City’s plans.
HH
—///—///
Yeah agree Stuff dreams are made of but sense we wouldn’t burst the budget for him- unfortunately that seems to be reality
BOGNORBHOY& MIGHTY TIM
Hail Hail Bhoys
2-0 to the Hoops
Maryhill will be celebrating tonight
A cracking day for a game of football, which I won’t jinx by looking at the forecast for 19:45 tonight.
As usual on big game days the excitement is building already. I’m so looking forward to this one.
If you support Celtic and have not yet got a ticket, then try and get along tonight, we need a full house cheering on the bhoys.
As for our opponents Malmo , this is their team (courtesy of STV)
Goalkeeper
Johan Wiland
Joined Malmö from FC Köpenhamn in July and has immediately become their first choice keeper. Won the league at Elfsborg and, more relevantly for Malmö, has Champions League experience from his time in the Danish capital. The stopper has sharp reflexes and is agile, but occasionally seems suspect in the air.
Defenders
Anton Tinnerholm – Right back
A sound all-round full-back with a good engine. Not necessarily the most naturally gifted footballer in the world and has had to work hard to forge a career, which explains his undying tenacity. Made his Sweden debut in April.
Rasmus Bengtsson – Centre back
The kind of quality footballer that playing in the Champions League allows Malmö to sign, Bengtsson joined from FC Twente at the start of the year. A Malmö academy product who left before he could make his senior debut, the central defender started his professional career as a striker, so unsurprisingly is a threat from set-pieces. Has Champions League experience.
Kári Árnason – Centre back
A summer signing from Rotherham, Celtic supporters may remember the Iceland international from his time at Aberdeen. After spending stretches of his career in midfield he is now most often deployed at centre back, providing a useful outlet for the Swedes when building on the ground. Good in the air and reads the game well enough but doesn’t like being pressed.
Yoshimar Yotún – Left back
Pacey full back with a good cross from his left boot. The Peruvian is well suited to playing as a wing-back when Malmö use a 5-3-2, but his flawed defensive decision-making can be more easily exposed when part of a 4-4-2.
Midfielders
Vladimir Rodić – Right wing
One of Malmö’s most exciting players at the moment, the Serb has ounces of pace and the timing to match. Took his goal against Gefle at the weekend well and seems particularly confident about the Celtic game. Claims he turned down bigger clubs to join Malmö, and has produced a string of promising performances in recent weeks that suggest his confidence isn’t without reason.
Oscar Lewicki – Centre midfield
Spent time in Malmö’s academy as a youngster but more importantly also learned his trade at Bayern, and it shows. Arguably Sweden U21’s best player in their European Championship win earlier in the summer, Lewicki is a technical and tactical cut above many of the midfielders in the Allsvenskan and should have no problem competing at Champions League level. Expect to see him capped as a senior international soon.
Erdal Rakip – Centre midfield
A promising box-to-box midfielder touted as Enoch Kofi Adu’s replacement in the long term, the Swede will have a chance to show how prepared he is for that task at Celtic Park. Malmö’s best player against Zalgiris Vilnius in the second round of Champions League qualifiers, but as a relatively inexperienced 19-year-old, Celtic’s European veterans may be able to capitalise on nerves.
Tobias Sana – Left wing
A hugely promising talent who never quite managed to deliver the goods at Ajax, Sana joined Malmö at the start of the year promising to finally ‘explode’ in his home nation, but it still hasn’t happened. Has the brains and the skills to succeed but perhaps not the attitude, and as such is not normally guaranteed a starting place. With Markus Rosenberg and Enoch Kofi Adu suspended however he should get his chance in Glasgow, and on a good night is a potential match-winner.
Strikers
Jo Inge Berget – Supporting striker
Needs no introduction, Celtic fans know the Norwegian well. Far from the toils he experienced in Glasgow, Berget has performed excellently as a left winger in recent weeks, but may be required up front against his old club with Markus Rosenberg suspended. Has a point to prove for obvious reasons and is also a useful source of information for Åge Hareide.
Nikola Đurđić – Centre forward
The Serbian striker on loan from FC Augsburg looks a real talent. Not only capable of finishing, but also possesses the composure to take the ball down in the box, get his head up and pick out a teammate while under pressure. With Rosenberg out he will have extra responsibility to produce some class up front.
Substitutes
Felipe Carvalho – Centre back
21-year-old centre-back from Uruguay who is a mean competitor but prone to a rash tackle.
Pa Konate – Left back
Back-up left back from the Malmö academy. Performed well against Gefle at the weekend but unlikely to feature against Celtic.
Magnus Wolff Eikrem – Attacking midfielder
Has quality on the ball but a lack of defensive and tactical understanding means the Norway international carries a degree of risk in European games.
Guillermo Molins – Attacking midfielder/striker
Uruguayan Malmö academy product who has battled knee injuries in recent years after spending time with Real Betis in Spain. Unlikely to feature unless in emergency.
Agon Mehmeti – Striker
Back-up striker who could feature from the bench at some stage and does a decent job as an impact sub.
Andreas Vindheim – Right back
Norwegian youth international who signed for Malmö earlier in the year, Vindheim is a long term replacement for Tinnerholm, but is significantly less developed as a player.
Fredrik Andersson – Goalkeeper
Second choice goalkeeper who was signed from Örgryte IS in July.
This is the 6th morning in a row I’ve woken up to sunshine in knightswood
Must be some kind of record……. ;-))
I gotta feeling tonight’s gonna be a good good night
HH all tims
Nervous about tonight but hoping for a 2-0 victory , would take 3-0 or 4-0 as well :))
COYBIG
The Green Man Maryhill will indeed be celebrating tonight,as I will when I get home from work.
Bognorbhoy 6 in a row you must have brought the sunshine with you P.
4GF chill J God looks after his own 3-0 to the good ghuys.
Kevj thoughts and prayers pal.
Philbhoy thoughts and prayers for Olivia.
Bada Bing well done big fella.
HH
KTF
UTLR
mighty tim
Hope so mate :))
Hope things are good with you .
My friends in Celtic,
As I type this there are many making there way from Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland; probably some from further afield.
To anybody living closer and hesitating. If you can go, then go. Play your part in ensuring that Paradise is magic, it’s magic.
You know it makes sense.
COYBIG. HH to all and another magical night.
All the qualifying ties last night were draws or split only by a 1 goal difference hopefully we can
change that stat as I think we will need 2 – 0 victory tonight to take over to Sweden
We really need to bury any chances we get tonight
Anything ending in Malmo 0 will be a good result, keep 11 men on the park and Scott and the bhoys will make up for last year
(still quietly confident)
Hopefully a hoops win as a belated birthday present to Lennybhoy
Hail Hail
4GF all good J. Hope to catch up with you and your bro in the Rams for a beer maybe get the Green Man down for a couple.
HH
KTF
UTLR
mighty tim
Sounds good to me mate .
HH
Looking for some advice please guys.
What would be the best way to get from the ground to Glasgow Queen St rail station, and how long is it likely to take.
There are 2 trains I could catch, 10:30 and 11:00. 11pm leaves me a little tight though, is it possible to get there for half 10, without having to leave early? Really don’t want to have to do that.
Sixtaeseven….. Regarding the Herald’s latest disgraceful ‘sports’ headlines today, my fellow Timmite shouted me over to have a look at it on line. (I ditched my link to it months ago…won’t give them the clicks).
First 3 articles are about a lower league team, with the HEADLINE article being about some ex-sevvy rambling on about how sevco would be challenging for Europe if they were in the SPL.
The Scottish champions, Scotland’s ONLY representative in European football are playing in the CL tonight in front of 60,000 people and this once excellent publication, now a laughing stock, leads with 3 stories about sevco. Staggering.
I hope they go out of business.
Time for Celtic to cut them off. The pandering to sevco and their moronic fanbase has to be addressed.
Silence is no longer an option.
Get the jaiket off Peter.
Murdochauldandhay,
Apart from Man Utd who won by 2 clear goals.
Sneddoni
If I was going to Queen St after the game, I would start walking to Belgrove station and possibly you could pick up a bus on the way. ( only if your in that side of the ground as the gates are usually closed outside the North Stand )
Possibly other posters have quicker alternatives.
HH.
Mighty Tim
Let me know when….I be there
HH
Sneddoni 10 minutes walk to belgrove station after the game trains straight to queen Street station mate.
HH
KTF
UTLR
SUMMA OF SAMMI…. on 19TH AUGUST 2015 7:43 AM
Mate
Game`s on Be IN sport,formerly Setanta Oz.
The Green Man I will sort something out for next week or so.
Right bhoys and ghirls have a great day and night work calls.
HH
KTF
UTLR
.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 19TH AUGUST 2015 9:27 AM
SUMMA OF SAMMI…. on 19TH AUGUST 2015 7:43 AM
Mate
Game`s on Be IN sport,formerly Setanta Oz.
..
Yip l know..
I was just letting Celtic TV Bhoys know as they (Celtic TV) seemed to think it was been shown at the Start of the Week..
Summa of NotaFanOfFoxtelCSC
This is your moment Celtic. Concede nothing, score, walk out to the champions league music and take us back to the top tabłe. Ronny’s bhoys can do it. Hail hail .