James Forrest has been carrying an injury for 10 months, which has affected the player’s effectiveness, so, irrespective of the outcome of his neurologist visit last week, I’m working on the assumption Celtic will play Adam Matthews in front of Michael Lustig on the right. This pair have speed, enormous energy, can cross and can defend. They have the making of a promising partnership.
Dirk Boerrigter has seen only 30 minutes football this season, and that was almost a month ago, but with the lack of options in the striker role, and the memory of just how effective he was during those 30 minutes, I expect we’ll see him from the start. He would also lift the atmosphere a degree or two higher.
Emilio Izaguirre will, of course, play left back. With Emilio bombing forward it is crucial we don’t leave the left flank exposed. This is a regular habit of Celtic’s which is seldom exposed in domestic football but Spartak Moscow scored their only goal at Celtic Park last season by exploiting the acres behind Emilio.
With Anthony Stokes looking unlikely, it will probably be Georgios Samaras leading the line with Kris Commons in the free role. Some of Georgios’ best performances away from home in Europe have been up front but it’s not his best position. Kris Commons I have no worries about. He knows exactly what is required tonight. In particular, expect him to win free kicks near the box and perhaps a penalty. I’ll make no comment on what to expect if we are awarded a spot kick.
Central midfield will have Scott Brown and Joe Ledley. Watch for Joe making back post runs. We can expect marking to be tight tonight, so a late run into the box could offer our best chance of a breakthrough.
I think we can be sure we’ll not see two novice (to Celtic) central defenders again. Steven Mouyokolo, new at the club after three years of little football, was singled out for criticism in some places after last week’s defeat which was particularly unfair. Defences work as a unit and the unit in Astana was dysfunctional. Steven was no guiltier than half the team.
Efe Ambrose will play, probably with Virgil van Dijk, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see Charlie Mulgrew selected instead.
It will be close to 2am in Kazakhstan when the second half gets underway. Shakhter Karagandy players will be suffering from the effects of jetlag. Minds and bodies will be tired, leading to diminished concentration and rash decision making. Celtic players should be on the lookout to play on, and exploit, this.
Play to their vulnerability. Remove the lighting tubes from their changing room and have the heating on full blast. We’ve all been tired in a room that’s too warm, it’s not conducive for football preparation. This is an environmental advantage of playing at home. Use it.
Playing in front of a stimulating crowd might actually help Shakhter early on, but the adrenaline boost will fade, leaving tired limbs. The value of fresh legs is enormously underappreciated in football. Get subs on midway through the second half and work their defence off the ball. If we aim to have our players tired after 60 minutes, we’ll know we are on the right track, as they will be suffering a lot more.
It is not important to get an early goal, even conceding one would not be the end of the story. This is going to be a long night, stick with it.
We cannot afford to get a man sent off but there can be nothing cordial about this game. Shakhter’s manager, Victor Kumykov, sounded less sure of himself yesterday, perhaps filled with trepidation. Don’t let him or his players settle, be professional but make sure he knows he has been disrespectful to his guests, and that he is now out of his depth.
They are a long way from home, make sure they know this. There will be opportunities for friendly chat after the final whistle.
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C’mon Celtic, dae it fir sheep everywhere!
jimbo
Whatever it takes… :-)
We can say it’s a Celtic Park tradition, no?
According to Bhardwaj on STV,unless he has been given duff info,Boerrigter not even on the bench.
Kojo
17:56 on 28 August, 2013
Ah wid Play .. Sir Paul’s Team
But Nae Stokesy…
and Tony Watt ,up front .. All Alone..
Sammi, Oan the Wind..
Ah widnae Play The Flying Dutchman.. Faur too soon, fur him
Tony Watt, Could Do the Bizness fur us..
He has done it Afore.. Remember.. Barca?
How soon everybuddy Furgets..
Tony,has bin Played oot Position ,since then..
Ah canny Understaun Whit Neil hiz bin Thinking.
Kojo
Still,Laughin
==
Totally different game. Watt took his goal against Barca very well but lets be very clear he picked up on a defensive mistake from Chavi he then had an clear run on goal. I’d expect any of our strikers to score from that position. Barca were attacking leaving lots space in behind to exploit SK will not do that. If Tiny Watt plays he has my support 100% however if Anto Stokes is fully fir he should start. He is the only goal scoring forward on the books at present.
opps that’s Tony not Tiny – my bad
I know it’s only Wednesday but I’m having fish for dinner.
Celtic always win when I have fish midweek, and win handsomely.
I bloody hate lamb/mutton!
HH!!
Great Article Paul, Love the tone and don’t eff with us message. Lets see where we are 3 hrs from now, Nail being bitten or I knew last week was a one off. Intresting night ahead and please NO ONE panic, This has been my mantra all day. lol
Lets get 1 and see what happens, Not as confident as some for 3/4 goals tonight and I was confident last week and look what happened.
Joe has got to have a good game and no hiding.
Derk will lift us if he plays and KC will find his shooting boots and that should be enough. ;)
Easy as that.
KLV
As long as Samaras is not deployed in the target man role. It never works…
And Jesus said “divide up the loaves if you want, but keep those 5 fish for Tallybhoy”
Obviously, You are in Agreement wi Neil.
Well… Ah am No in agreement wi’ eethur o’ you fine Chaps.
Stokesy, In Ma Opinion. Should NOT PLAY ..
But..again..
If he diz..
Then.. Ah am once more.. Hiv the minority Opinion.
Hope.. Baith you and Neil ur Correct.
After all Ah am A Celtic Fan.. as Weel..
Ah wid be… Happy tae be wrong in My thinking.
Kojo
Still… Laughin’
” dae it fur dolly ”
@polishturnstile
dontbrattbakkinanger
Nope, I’m not as capable as a train driver
My Last Submission was addressed tae
OGLACH.
Sorry aboot that,pal..
Kojo
Stlll Laughin’
Rrc
Suits me!
Jimbo67 supporting Oscar Knox
Arrived in Paradise an hour ago…..had nice meal with grandson and getting more excited by the minute…….3-0 nae bother……!!!! Ooooooooooooooo
Right !! Sky Go sorted , watching Zenit pump the Portrugese boys. Will be happy to play Zenit any time soon……
`mon the Hoops , do it for all the poor wee sheep in the world and for all us nerve wracked bhoys not lucky enough to be there tonight…
Hail! Hail!
Falkirkbhoy
Small world.
Smashing family…I can say that without fear of contradiction. Proper Celtic men and gentlemen to boot.
Paul 67,
Are you suggesting the Janny is the 12th man?
Tallybhoy
18:27 on 28 August, 2013
I know it’s only Wednesday but I’m having fish for dinner.
Celtic always win when I have fish midweek, and win handsomely.
I bloody hate lamb/mutton!
*so dae I, it baffles people over here that I hate the stuff.
Have a wee Canadian/Italian mate who’s in-laws come fae Milngavie , was giving him a hard time about veal, he came back with how long they keep the calf alive with us and a lamb, my comeback is I hate the stuff.
At least both of us like porchetta.
Haven’t been this nervy for a long time.
Feels like I’m heading out to a Celtic v rangers match…
Failure is not an option.
Morrisey,
Great Vid.
You reminded me of the Sperms in Woody Allen’s Everything you Wanted to Know…
Hope you weren’t attached by anything more than the harness;-)
Forster
Mathews
Ambrose
Lustig
Mulgrew
Forrest
Brown
Ledley
Commons
Samaras
Stokes
Team
Password is hailhail
Zaluska, Izaguirre, Van Dijk, Boerrigter, Amido, Watt, McGeouch
Bench
Izzy dropped – interesting
Stokes playing – good
Forrest – very surprised, need a good game from him
Strong strong bench – Derk, Balde, Watt
Wouldnt have been my team selection.
We can do this!
COYBIG
Looks like it is :
Forster
Lustig Ambrose Mulgrew Matthews
Forrest Brown Ledley Samaras
Commons
Stokes
Celtic starting XI: Forster, Matthews, Ambrose, Lustig, Mulgrew, Forrest, Brown, Ledley, Commons, Samaras, Stokes. (PC) #UCL
The Bench is HUGE for me.
We needed that kind of boost – options to change things
An hour out of Forrest, Sami and Kris gives Celtic a good chance.
Hope Stokesy is at it.
I think Lenny is going with the attitude three over the 90/120 mins is enough as back line is very solid defensively – hence dropping of new CB partnership and Izzy weak link at LB defensively
Enough goals with Stokes Samaras and Commons
Who Do You Think You Are Kidding,Mr Kumykov….
If You Think Auld Celtic’s Done….?
We Are The Bhoys Who Will Stop Your Little Game….
We Are The Bhoys Who Will Make You Think Again….
Jinky On The Right Wing,Wi’ Yogi Doon The Left…..
Cesar Looks Imperious,Whilst Faither’s Minding Goal…..
So Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Kumykov…..
If You Think The Hoops Are Done….?
——–
Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Kumykov….
If You Think Auld Celtic’s Done…?
We Are The Bhoys Who Will Stop Your Little Game….
We Are The Bhoys Who Will Make You Think Again…..
Bertie Through The Middle,Wi’ Boabby By His Side…
Wispy’s Running Mazy,An’ Henrik’s Just Sublime….
So Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Kumykov….
If You Think The Hoops Are DONE…!
[ They Don’t Like It Up ‘Em !!..Ed]
Long time admirer of the site and first time posting. I am thousands of miles from Celtic Park but would give almost anything to be with the faithful tonight. Currently sitting in Tennessee with the hoops on trying to get through work before kick-off. For those folks who have the privilege of being in Paradise tonight I would only ask that you give an extra shout for all of the Celtic diaspora who wish they could share tonight’s experience with you. Hail, Hail and let the thunder commence!
Gotta feeling playing Stokesy might prove the winning stroke.
C’Mon The HOOPS!
Good bench and nice to see young Zimmerman and Macaroni there tae
green ninja
Great name love it!
But are you a Hun?
Green Ninja,
Welcome! You a currant?
Kojo
18:30 on 28 August, 2013
Kojo, Anton is the purrrfect partner for KC and his sunshine band, in fact he is a vital part of the band
HH
gsu
If that is Neil’s Team Fur this Match,tonight.
Awe Ah kin Say..
is
DANG! BLAST! .. SUFFERIN’ SUCCOTASH!
Kojo
Still, Laughin