SENTINELCELTS

Crisis?
Shoot I remember a real player shortage crisis that seen a striker needing to play central defence, and big Sutty played so well he almost kept the spot.

5 players down isn’t new at all, it’s why we have a large squad, and surely we can foresee at least two injuries at any given time due to plastic pitches plus the rough and tumble nature of the game.
Plus Mikey and James are usually injured anyway.
The squad was assembled for exactly moments like these, to be dipped into as needed.

It might be needed on paper but many would have rang the changes anyway given we haven’t gelled as a team yet this campaign. As such we won’t know exactly how much they were either holding us back or holding us together until a kinda new look side takes the field for a succession of games.
Beginning at the start of this little mini block of five games we currently find ourselves in we could then have approached this derby and a tough away tie with some games together under the belt but I guess that just wasn’t to be.
Lenny may also have wished to surprise the opponent with a total unknown quantity in Laxalt, so build up games for him may never have been part of the master plan.
Dropping someone into a huge game first thing is a bit like the traditional sink or swim but in my humble opinion the higher the calibre of player dropped in the better chance of not being fazed.
Let’s hope hes more Lubo than Mizuno then.

You won’t need me to remind you what has happened in Timland these last couple weeks regarding virus and International games, but I will be honest and say this could have been much worse.
The defence is mostly intact, and we can field a mostly starters midfield.
Those mightnt seem like much right now but could prove invaluable.

The team talk is ready, has been all week.
Why are you showing up? essentially.
That plays right into our hands for this game. Lenny would have his bhoys naturally fired up for this one, but now he has extra ammunition he won’t miss the spot.

New players an ideal chance to begin as cult heroes while saying gaffer that spots mine now.
Broony will more than want to boss his last couple clashes.
Ncham seems to turn up against them.
Big Kris will be thinking time to shine as the scouts who fancy my signature will watch this game.
Big Shane will be thinking away you go then, and stay outta my way at corners for I do fancy staying and hitting legendary status here wee man.
Big Barkas has yet to have a statement game, and we know Lurch was forced into a few against this mob, so chances are the bhoy between the sticks gets a real test and hopefully it’s one he convincingly passes.
Frimps would be the ideal one to crock early in their eyes, and he will know this.
The wee dare I say buzzbomb must be mentally ready for war.

Up top, if the rumours are true, its a double edged sword for the visitors. We have been crying out for a partnership, again Ajeti mentioned he wanted to be half of one upon signing, and just when they want an easy lone target we correctly spring the busy buddies act on them to befuddle and run ragged ideally.
The Yeti, you shouldn’t need me to point out he will go hammer and tongs to bulge the old onion bag today sensing hero status awaiting, surely a dream of every player.
And Paddy,,,this kid has something. There’s already a touch of the cult figure about him, that St Johnstone goal showed exactly the kind of drive and determination that will bring a man success at a club like Celtic.
Again, I think he would realise a starting berth in this game is not something to be squandered at all, and to impress in that berth would be laying a big claim to it plus saying to everyone it’s taken a while but I’m here now.
He may well be the most possessed man on the pitch tbh.
Griff, see Paddy but with a wee bit more to prove by way of an apology.
Odsonne, Covid-19 just did an in-depth medical which he passed with flying colours,, a huge relief.
He hasn’t looked great, many including myself mistakenly thought he was for the off, but we have our main man still and it’s really time to buckle down now on his behalf and commit fully to this historic campaign.
Is it harsh to say he owes us a performance?
Maybe yes given all he has done for us but maybe not when it certainly seemed like he wasn’t firing in all cylinders and there was no injury involved, he was unfocused.
Look why not just score a couple, smile that wide smile, and let’s put this all behind us Odsonne? Good lad.
I reckon he’s thinking something similar btw.

The dugout,,, first and foremost please remember it’s three points. Yes a defeat would leave our rivals still unbeaten but please don’t insult me or the posters by even starting to believe they are capable of an invincible season.
They will drop points, take that to the bank.
Therefore defeat is not a lost title, please don’t fall for that crap.
Points will be dropped and earned, logic dictates the biggest and best squad with the experience to match will take the crown. That’s us by the way.
A knockdown doesn’t win a fight, but winning more rounds than your opponent will. We head into the bout even in almost every way, which is exactly where both managers would have wanted to be.
Sometimes you must be careful what you wish for though.

The pressure is all on the rival dugout, who are expected to win despite being away from home, an expectation that’s rare for them. It has certainly infected their fans but if that mentality has permeated into the dressing room then all the better.
However they are facing players they have never seen play before, numerous actually, which can hardly help a mans confidence.
I’ve heard it said their right back is the only one who might grace our team yet he faces an unknown quantity and is not going to be thinking I’ll have this AC Milan player in ma pocket.
Giving Laxalt plenty of the ball with freedom to attack would be wise I believe.
That’s a lovely dilemma for their bench to figure out. A Norwegian international with pace to replace the dreadlocked one is a nice touch also, more food for thought just when it looked to be getting better.

A poor result for them after the build up and supposed weakened team they faced would be a severe slap in the face for the title hopes and confidence. Their fan base would smell the ultimate humiliation and grumble incessantly. Their support has also seen us stutter our way to this point, and after Covid, when taken with the cup final performance would have fancied some type of result from this one.
Giving Cheatin Beaton the gig made that fancy a win full stop.
And as such, it’s they who are set up for the fall. A defeat would hurt bad, so very very bad and the vitriol will follow as sure as night follows day.
Poor Cheatin won’t be at the lodge post match either, that will irk him, or save him.

Jock said only a fool would predict it, but I will hide behind the site and say sorry Sir the bloggers expect it.
Someone must stick the neck out, I’ve drawn the short straw.

Celtic probable team 3-5-2
Barkas
Ajer
Duffy
Welsh
Laxalt
Ncham
Broony
Calmac
Frimps
Ajeti
Paddy

2 -2 Big Shane and Griff.
Keeps the excitement ticking over nicely.

No matter what enjoy your weekend everyone.
COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN!!!