SENTINELCELTS

Morning,all.

Big game at the weekend,and one we have been waiting long long weeks for. On top of that,the World Cup reaches its climax on Sunday,a match where Messi may well get to have all of his dreams come true at long last,a World Cup winner’s medal to crown a glorious career. One which-and let’s be honest here-has brought significant pleasure to millions of fans of The Beautiful Game for many a year now. 

No longer the precocious crown prince,his longevity has allowed his skills this one last shot at glory. May the best team win. 

But the big news for millions of football fans worldwide is the return to action of Celtic. Exiled to the frozen wastes for the weekend,we may well be. And with the ground being essentially a beachfront attraction,it will be no place for the faint-hearted. If G-Mak is,as is being reported,having difficulties acclimatising to the weather in Scotland,he is in for another shock to the system. He’ll be running around with three Adam’s Apples!!! When that wind blows in off the North Sea,it can cut you in two. I’ve experienced it in the Beach End,the Town End and the paddock,running alongside the pitch. Made no difference whatsoever. 

Baltic!!! And brutal with it.

As far as I am aware,there are no injury issues heading into the match,though I expect to see CalMac replaced fairly early if we look to be in control of the match. I’m fairly confident that Hart and Ralston will start at the back,Starfelt too,but not so sure whether CCV will be ready yet. So possibly Jenz,with GT making up the back line. Mooy an early second half sub for CalMac,or one of the other two if required. If he is ready,of course!

CalMac,Matt and Reo for the midfield,with either Jamesie or Abada on the right,Kyogo through middle and Jota wide left to complete our forward line. Too early too for Maeda,though both he and CCV may just make the bench.  Dead easy,this management lark,eh?

This is the first of four games in eleven days before New Year,and as always,maximum points will be our target. There are no easy games for Celtic at any time,and we know the added complications involved with refereeing decisions even before the introduction of VAR. But let’s be honest here-the referees should prove to be our most difficult opponents if we simply play our own game. On paper,where games are rarely played for real! But even at that,I’m looking for us to retain our healthy lead at the top of the table as we head into the traditional New Year hatefest at Ibrox. 

And I’ll be looking to extend it still further on that occasion too…

Time will tell if the wait for the return of Real Football has been worth it,even if the World Cup has provided a decent distraction for us during the last five weeks. But I’ve a feeling that the players will be itching to get back into action every bit as much as we have been looking forward to it ourselves. And with a hugely disappointed Kyogo in particular looking to take out a grudge on every poor sod who gets in his way,I’m expecting a big few weeks of big,big performances. 

Grind the trailing opposition into the dust over this period,leave with full points,and we can surely look to 2023 with a case for justified optimism. The future is bright,even if the bloody weather is brutal!

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Above article by BMCUWP