You and I have watched enough European qualification games to know that fitness is perhaps the biggest determinant in success. In this respect, we should be ahead of AZ Alkmaar, who have played only two competitive games comparted to Celtic’s nine.
Despite this, AZ pressed Celtic back for much of the final 15 minutes last week, an indication, perhaps, of a higher baseline.
From a fitness perspective, Celtic’s game against St Mirren could not have gone better. They sharpened the tools in the first half and no player was physically taxed to the extent that it would inhibit performance five days later.
AZ, meanwhile, got their fixture against Fortuna Sittard postponed to allow them time to prepare for Celtic. That is a big gamble. AZ need to be rested, especially as their game plan is likely to involve extra time, but two games and two defeats into their season, a home game against the side who finished 11th last term would be welcomed by others.
We have a recent reference point for taking a 2-0 first leg lead to the Netherlands. A Utrecht team who were poorer than AZ did not even need extra time to see them through. The Dutch, it seems, arrive in August fit and ready. Let’s hope AZ’s weekend off proves unhelpful.
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JHB
To be fair, the have to sit down with the health authorities and establish which members of staff need to self-isolate as close contacts. That takes time as it can be open to interpretation.
William Hill has removed Sevco`s Alashkert game and their game against us from the betting. Is that a suggestion that neither game will take place or simply breathing space for a readjustment of the odds?
HOT SMOKED
It’s them being careful until they know the extent of the damage to line-ups. Bet365 removed the derby game from betting 2 hours ago.
Anyone know the rules if you can’t fulfill fixtures? Could see them not being allowed to fly.
BADA
Thanks. Brentford’s B team just equalized.
HOTSMOKED.
I’m not debating your point, but who at UEFA would be able to refute the Zombie’s claims as to who was or was not a close contact? I’ve often wondered that.
PAUL THE SPARK
They will be allowed to fly as they will still have their bubble, minus those infected and contacts self-isolating.
TOM MCLAUGHLIN on 24TH AUGUST 2021 9:14 PM
Makes sense.Thanks.
In Europe it will be. 3-0 defeat, they will win the league match on appeal
Hi guys,
Snake Plissken is back. Remember me? I heard I was dead.
The huns will ask for the Celtic match to be postponed, ’til all their players are better.
The FTSFA will grudgingly oblige.
It’s only fair…………after all.
BetVictor,31/20 both of them for Sunday
SNAKE PLISSKEN
Good to see you posting!
Hope you are good!
INIQUITOUSIV on 24TH AUGUST 2021 9:17 PM
I don`t know who at UEFA would be in a position to examine any Sevco claims but my main point was/is that I would feel more comfortable about an unbiased outcome with UEFA rather than SFA making any decision.
Bet 365,15/8 Sevco, Celtic 21/20
Skybet have pulled it
Not been around for years.
Have been through a ton of stuff. Moved country. Totally changed my place in the world and
in need to things that made me happy once upon a time.
Have popped in and lurked occasionally but had too much going on in my own life (like everyone else in this past year or so).
Hope everyone is well
PHILBHOY
That might actually suit us better, don’tyathink? We would have Juranovic and hopefully some other reinforcements available.
SNAKE PLISSKEN
So, rumours of your death were greatly exaggerated?
Philbhoy, can see that happening, after all they had their game against us cancelled after being humphed in Europe on the Thursday night.
SNAKE PLISSKEN
The question must be asked. Are you a Hun?
HOT SMOKED
Well you guys know me. Everyone’s heard I was dead.
INIQUITOUSIV
I was called one a few times but no one who knew me from before ever really thought I was.
C
Sorry, cynical me.. i await further shi**
Apart from underhand dealings from the SFA I can’t see how the game can be cancelled. Celtic had to play games when most of our first team had to isolate after 1 positive test. Would hope Celtic would call them out if they tried
Welcome home Snake :-)
SNAKE PLISSKEN
Welcome back !
Good to see you again Fred.
A couple of exciting games. Malmo 3-2 up on aggregate, and struggling to hold on. Ferencvaros down 4-5 on aggregate playing at home.
INIQUITOUSIV
I would rather play them on Sunday.
If the huns have declared covid cases they will be lying about it in some way. No wat I mean?
Don’t fancy their away trip on Thursday either.
We are favourites for a reason.
If they lose Thursday and Sunday their season is over. IMO.
C’MON THE CELTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SNAKE PLISSKEN on 24TH AUGUST 2021 9:18 PM
Hi guys,
Snake Plissken is back. Remember me? I heard I was dead.
—————————
Dude!!!!
SNAKE PLISSKEN
Welcome back. We thought you were in the Witness Protection Programme.
SNAKE- good to see you on
It’s really great to be back guys.
Popping in and out on Hesgoal. The 3 away teams in the CL Qualifying Playoffs are desperately hanging on, especially Benfica.
I had to leave Slovakia because of a RANGE of reasons. Great to see so many of the old faces (in writing).
Snake – how ye been bhoy?
HH
Ferencvaros down to 10. I think their goose is cooked.
Remember there is a HOOT this Saturday.
Blane Valley and McChuills from about two o’clock on.