Maribor are currently playing monopoly with the Slovenian league, having won four titles in a row, and have a very settled, experienced, team.
The season before they eliminated Rangers into oblivion in 2011 they defeated Hibernian home and away, who had Anthony Stokes in their side. It’s worth noting that Edinburgh police arrested 30 Maribor fans following a riot in the city after that tie; this lot have an unfortunate reputation for trouble.
They lost away on Saturday, a defeat which was largely a consequence of their defence having a nightmare, however, among others, they rested key central defender, Marko Suler, who Celtic came close to signing four years ago. They were also reduced to 10 men 30 minutes into the game. It’s unlikely they will be so poor at the back against Celtic.
Dare Vrsoc is their creative fulcrum. He also likes to shoot from distance, with some justification. Whoever in the Celtic team is tasked with winning a personal battle with him will have a great deal of responsibility.
If Celtic leave space at the back Mitja Viler will be the player most likely to exploit. He is lightning fast and will have noticed how Celtic lost goals to pace against Legia. The early scare Gary Mackay-Steven gave us on Saturday further emphasises this vulnerability.
Brazilian-Slovenian striker Marcos Tavares, 30, is Maribor’s royalty. He has scored more goals than anyone in the club’s history, but he is a player who has found his level. He has been over the European football course before so will know how to unsettle defenders.
Macedonian international winger, Agim Ibraimi, scored the goals in the last round which got Maribor this far. He had a couple of unsuccessful seasons in Seria A before returning to Maribor. Good player with tendencies to lunacy.
The fans boo boy is goalkeeper, Jasmin Handanovic, who remains in place despite a disastrous last season. Slovenian clubs throw cross balls into the box to put pressure on him as often as possible. Some early attention might turn the atmosphere inside the stadium on Wednesday.
They score a lot of goals from headers: five of the 12 this season, before the o.g. they benefited from on Saturday.
Our man Blaz in Slovenia tells me they are better than they were when they brought the end of days to Rangers in 2011. Last season’s Europa League campaign, when they progressed from a group containing Russian, English and Belgian opposition, before giving eventual winners, Sevilla a fright, gives an indication of what we can expect.
After those performances last season they knew this could be their Champions League year. Drawing Celtic has put them in a state approaching over-confidence. A shift like we delivered on Saturday will come as a shock.
[calameo code=000390171ae033f39a0c4 lang=en page=120 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
1,180 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- ...
- 31
- »
You would think the idiots t FF have enough on their plate without rewriting Celyics history
Extract from Follow follow
_____
Fergus McCann was booed off the pitch years ago at The Piggery due to an internal spat with Tommy Burns regarding transfer money. ”
The reality was that wee Fergus’s Bhoys Against Bigotry campaign was hated by The Mhankies, especially when McCann told the world exactly what ” Celtic-minded ” actually meant. He was booed off the Piggery pitch for clamping down on the bigots. They hated him for the campaign and let him know that day.______________________
James Forrest pulled up in the last seconds of the game on Saturday.
Any word on his hamstring?
TURKEYBHOY
It was much more than a political protest against a policy of a foreign government,it was bullying by numbers.
It was racist.
It was sectarian.
It was frankly a disgrace.
People who follow the Jewish faith were denied access to food which is important to that faith.
thindimebhoy
Some of the comments now coming out from Nae Sayers re. Devine are sad. However I’m not daft enough to believe it would not have had been the same from some AYE’rs if he had tripped onto No side. Lol
MWD says AYE
PapaJohn- 5pm today seemingly
Moonbeams WD. Wee Oscar’s our Bhoy and Kano’s our mhan
Aye we thought it was all about the economy stupid but in reality most of the naysayers are old royal romantics at heart
“When you put all of these together, there’s very little left in the union except sentiment, history and family.”
I posted last week Berget reminded me of Sheringham(I know,I wish), finds space well,links up well and thought he put a really good shift in for the team
Thindimebhoy,
This section of Tom Devine’s argument confuses me:
“He also cites the enhanced reputation of Scottish higher education and research, with four Scottish universities among the world’s top 200.
“We get 16% of the UK’s competitive funding despite having only 10% of its population”
That sounds like an argument for Scotland’s universities doing well out of the union. Indeed many of his fellow academics use the potential loss of this UK research funding as an argument against a Yes vote.
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
14:27
University research funding is based on performance. It’s a red herring.
Turkeybhoy,
(i) ie dont think israel referring to itslef as the Jewish state does themselves any favours
(ii) the situation their is very similar to the “not going into syria/going in kurdish iraq” situation – the problem was created by britain/america/un depending on how far back you want to go – when it was created there was supposed to be a proviso that the locals wouldnt be forced out/inconvienced – that lasted really long. If it was anyone else apart from them – iran/syria/iraw/turkey – they would have been disarmed long ago – so why is it allowed – its in the wests interests – same in iraq – no oil? we’d be kurdish who? never heard of them. Western Media/governements dont really give two hoots about middle eastern lives as long as who ever is in charge keeps the oil running and plays nice and doesnt do anything publicly daft and get caught (chemical ali for instace).
I remember on the same day as the Boston bomb – whic was pointless terrible tradegy but really a glorified blast/sharpnel bomb – there was another middle east market car bomb – i think 30+ were killed and hundreads injured – it got a 5 second mention compared to 3 days of 24/7 coverage for boston – why?
(iii) dont get me wrong I wouldnt fancy living next door to hamas – by any sense of humanity their acts are pointless (kinda reminds me of the kids over here who used to get arrested for throwing stones at armoured landrovers – michael collins level tactics that) but as more than a few reporters in gaza have mentioned – as you see the people (previous no conenction/love of hamas) – pick themselves up after ebing bombed out of existance every time – they see the hunmanity in them drain away – and the result…… madness is trying the same thing…..) then again israel have the backing of a superpower so maybe they like it that way
ernie lynch
Can you point me in the direction of some good agenda free information sources for the referendum?
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
14:27 on 18 August, 2014
Thindimebhoy,
This section of Tom Devine’s argument confuses me:
“He also cites the enhanced reputation of Scottish higher education and research, with four Scottish universities among the world’s top 200.
“We get 16% of the UK’s competitive funding despite having only 10% of its population”
That sounds like an argument for Scotland’s universities doing well out of the union. Indeed many of his fellow academics use the potential loss of this UK research funding as an argument against a Yes vote.
———————————————————–
Have to say it is difficult to follow his logic. He cites how the Scottish economy has diversified and done well. This is true – but of course it has done so as part of the current arrangement – he does not speculate about how it might do in a different, future arrangement.
Mind you he is an historian…
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
I spotted that myself and then thought how many Scottish people are at those 4 universities. The point he may be making is that they are full of English people.
Not sure what argument he is trying to make there tho to be honest. 4 universities in the top 200 in the world? Is that good? I would have thought at least 2 of those universities were in the top 20 in the world – St Andrews and Edinburgh.
I think the more telling point of any analysis around university education in Scotland would be how many of these academics go onto to take jobs in Scotland and make a difference to our society. I am thinking doctors, lawyers, etc.
At first glance though it does look like an endorsement to stay in the union. The article is interesting but still only a mans opinion. I don;t see him swaying many No voters.
LB
THINDIMEBHOY
IMO,it’s entirely about the economy.
But since I don’t have a vote,it’s entirely about the opinion of those who do.
I do though find it interesting that Sir Tom decries Yes voters as voting on sentiment for the status quo,when many are voting on emotion to undo it.
Especially interesting,in fact,that a serious journalist like Kev didn’t think to question that.
A subjective article,rather than objective,IMO.
Which shows neither in a good light.
Though I respect their opinions and their right to express them.
Hope I am wrong but I would expected to have heard a bit of info by now if we had a striker lined up for tonights deadline. Saying that probably wouldn’t be thrown in to away game anyway I suppose.
HH
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
You have a point the figures do add up to a better deal for the unis in the union.
He does explain Scotland’s economy going into the future
“We have a resilient economic system and reserves of one of the most important things for an independent estate: power, power through the assets of oil and also through the potential of wind energy.
In this, Scotland is disproportionately endowed compared to almost all other European countries.”
And with the latest estimated massive up scaling of figures on oil revenues
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-28827295
The shortfall of 6% should be attainable
Malone Bhoy,
Indeed – Scotland’s universities do well in that UK competition, as he points out.
But under independence those Scottish universities would not be competing for a UK pot of funding.
ernie lynch/BMCUW –
You were brave enough to give prediction on the turnout and outcome of the referendum. The turnout figure you both quotes was pretty high (70-odd %?)
What is you estimate based on?
Turnout for 2011 Scottish Parliament election was 50%
Galloway giving a talk in Belfast this Saturday. Should be interesting when he shares his view on Scottish independence.
Imo the union is the source of the suprematist attitude derived directly from past imperial conquest which drives sectarianism both in Ireland and Scotland. I’ll tell him that at the talk if the opportunity arises.
NatKnow
I have stated my thoughts on the election and vowed not to go over it again.
I will however say that everyone who wants to vote yes will vote. Will all the no voters?
I still think yes vote is a very slim chance. Far too many people may not be happy with the way things are but don’t want to take the risk of going it alone.
LB
LiviBhoy
14:32 on
18 August, 2014
———————————
I don’t think doctors and lawyers do much to enhance society……….It is a national scandal that they earn more than engineers, designers and scientists, people who really DO make a difference
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
IMO,it’s entirely about the economy.
Of course for most folk it is but it depends who you believe about the economy
It is in one groups interest to talk it down and it is in another’s to talk it up
But what do you think
I think Scotland is potentially the richest small country in the world but to achieve that we need Scottish hands on the economic reins
Who do you believe here for eg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-28827295
Ernie I don’t think ‘The Pulse’ is in the SNP so perhaps you will consider this
http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/home/stop-practice-closures/revealed-all-new-gp-contracts-will-be-thrown-open-to-private-providers/20007596.article#.U_HAMmdMvrc
Any chance we can stick to the football? Politics bores me…
For those following on Twitter today’s arbitration @didinyc
LiviBhoy
14:41 on 18 August, 2014
NatKnow
I have stated my thoughts on the election and vowed not to go over it again.
I will however say that everyone who wants to vote yes will vote. Will all the no voters?
I still think yes vote is a very slim chance. Far too many people may not be happy with the way things are but don’t want to take the risk of going it alone.
LB
——————————————————–
The Yes campaign are certainly very vocal and I would expect that kind of committment to translate into a physical presence to cast a vote. I think it may be closer than the polls suggest, but of all the polls over the last 3 years including the most recent ones within the last couple of weeks point to a No vote. Which is why I think turnout is a crucial factor. I would expect (and hope) it is higher than 50% – a slim majority win for either side on a 50% turnout is hardly a ringing endorsement. But 75% seems high to me. I’d have thought maybe 65% max.
That said, I am notoriously bad at estimating the crowd at Celtic Park!
Ernie Lynch – I found that article interesting and backs up one I read from a US election guru who said similar. He said Yes/No questions are notoriously hard to get a result on the side that involves the change. In a nutshell he felt it was down to people’s inherent dislike for change. Unless the consequences of the change are cast iron and transparent, the bulk of the voters will reject the proposal. He went on to say at polling day, if you wanted even a chance at getting the change, you would be looking to have a 7+ point lead in the polls for those very reasons as when it comes to the nuts and bolts, people will stick with what they know. He advocated piece meal change rather than going to the electorate for sweeping reform.
gearoid1998 12:14 on 18 August, 2014
Jamesgang
Man bag wearing asst boss at Dundee Utd game. Somebody stole his seat at half time apparently
………………………
More like he stole their’s and was turfed out at HT.
January 2023 I went with family to a game at CP, Walfrid, the whole show. When we got to our seats the Juventus spies (3 of them) had just blagged our seats. We turfed them out amid whispered Italian sweary words. I tried spying on what they were writing down, but he covered his writing with his other hand like it was a school test.
Bampot – I don’t even know Italian except lasagna and Bolognese.
HH
TB,
Thanks for the link.
Holocaust memorials desecrated. What primitve scum are around.
Scary times.
tojo-
14:20 on 18 August, 2014
James Forrest pulled up in the last seconds of the game on Saturday.
Any word on his hamstring?
It’s made of chocolate.
It’s an easy victory for No.
Reasons?
1. The military
2. The monarchy
End of. No more debate required.
Rutherglen needs more Fajitas.
Regarding the independence debate, 20 years ago I would have voted Yes and I was prepared to vote No now, perhaps through fears about my pension, but I am now firmly back in the Yes camp. Unfortunately for the Yes camp a lot of voters think that a Yes vote is a vote for Alex Salmond and the SNP and not a vote for the right of self-determination.
As some of you may know, I am visiting Croatia for the first time but from what I can see of this small country with a population just short of 4.3 million it seems to be doing alright for itself, perhaps Hrvatski Jim could put me straight.
My son also studies in Denmark, a country with a population just North of 5.6 million, which without a doubt does very well for itself.
I am very suspicious of a Westminster government who spends much of its time telling us that Scotland is full of “subsidy junkies” but is reluctant to let us go – I’m sure it has nothing to do with altruism.
Time to grasp the nettle Scotland
New Celtic signing Jason Denayer has been nicknamed Sevco by his team mates as he is the new Company ;)
Moonbeams WD. Wee Oscar’s our Bhoy and Kano’s our mhan.
13:52 on 18 August, 2014
What time is CAS result due and do UEFA need to comply with decision?
MWD says AYE
————————
I asked this question earlier
On page 40 of the last article
Got no reply
Hope U have more luck
Id like to know
Markyjig
14:44 on 18 August, 2014
Any chance we can stick to the football? Politics bores me…
————————————————————
The blog has been up for nearly 3 hours and that’s your only post. You don’t seem overly keen to discuss anything.
I don’t think doctors and lawyers do much to enhance society……….It is a national scandal that they earn more than engineers, designers and scientists, people who really DO make a difference
would argue the case for doctors, and let lawyers argie their own case ;-) the real scandal is how much the financial world pays itself compared to engineers, designers and scientists
Some of the posters on here appear to be daft or ignorant
one wants to play a slow poor winger(berget) as our striker on wed,s and another has a list of so called deadwood on which he includes commons ffs
do some on here never watch the team