SENTINELCELTS

I haven’t looked forward to a final this much in a long, long time.
The two form teams in the nation both away from home, two impactful managers who need to establish which is the master which the pupil, and potential implications for the title race to boot.
 
I happen to subscribe to the theory that a victory come Sunday would light a fresh fire in our rivals collective bellies and with two more derbies to come there would be a referee backed charge to gain real impetus in the title race and make it a title tussle.
Alternatively, I also subscribe to the theory that slapping them down this weekend would deliver a psychological blow that more or less kills any title dreams in their tracks by cruelly but kindly letting everyone at Ibrox know they are second best, not the top dogs.
 
Perhaps the above the norm anticipation is due to the fact the result simply can’t be called. The last meeting ended in a draw which would have felt like a defeat for the team in blue. They know for a fact they can hurt Celtic.
In Ange we have a manager who confessed he sends out his team to win Cup Finals, never to draw or neutralize the opponents, and the supposed master tactician could take advantage of this tendency. Our European adventures showed we can be hit on the break, and that’s how I would set up against us.
I expect Matt to get the call over Mooy because he’s more incisive and is in good goal scoring form so will be in the opposition final third a lot, Reo will support the attack hanging around the edge of the box, the wingers drift into the box to hopefully convert any chances falling their way, which leaves Calmac isolated in behind upon the transition, usually with one fullback ahead of the play.
If I know this, Beale knows this, and I’m pretty confident in stating he will make them move the ball fast, get it forward very quickly to the flair players (Sakala and Kent) who have been given permission to stay outfield instead of helping out in defense.
 
The simple response to the counter attack is making the most of your attack before the ball gets turned over, and unfortunately for the Ibrox mob that is what we tend to do. Through arriving in numbers with plenty of options in and around the box, teams get punished weekly and whilst being attacked at pace is our Achilles heel imo, attacking at pace is our greatest asset.
 
Daizen Maeda is the perfect example. The Duracell Bunny has improved and if forced to choose which player will stand out on the day he would be my automatic first choice, the Maeda match, you heard it here first. Their right back tends to bomb forward and when it goes to the left footed Sakala on the right wing they can double team the left back with one outside and the other coming inside.
Greg Taylor has his hands full, and will be a key component in deciding the outcome imo.
This tactic is very dangerous as it leaves Maeda without a direct opponent upon transition, ie when CCV sniffs the attack out.
Throw in Kyogos movement, the other wingers dash, plus Matt and Reo arriving and defenders often find themselves in Schitt’s Creek looking for their paddle.
 
So basically I see two sides that can be damaged when hit fast, and I’m thinking game on. PingPong football suits me down to a tee, they are the best games to watch as a football fan.
A cagey affair just doesn’t make sense when both gaffers are out for a statement victory on a do or die occasion.
The tactician needs to find a winning tactic in order not to be labeled the pupil, and the motivator needs his charges to be fearless in possession and convert their opportunities to show he is the master.
If Beale wins by taking the game to Celtic he’s a legend over there, walked in and dominated, one chance one cup, but that’s very, very risky.
 
Pugilists have an old saying, the boxer beats the fighter, and usually it’s true. The man with the plan usually beats the man with just a punch. But this isn’t boxing, it’s football, and there’s another old saying, goals change games. And as you all know we have outscored them since Beales arrival, hence the gap widening.
 
That’s what our team does, score goals. From the wide men, striker and midfielders, there’s an abundance of goal scorers throughout the team, and overwhelming the opposition is a regular feature of our play.
The best way to beat us is to attack, and the best way for us to win is to attack-attack-attack, so therefore I smell goals.
And when it comes down to the crunch, the Bhoys are deadlier.
 
The Cup comes home again come Sunday.
The Postecoglou procession rolls onwards.
Beale will beel.
Up The Hoops!
 
By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com