SENTINELCELTS

I’m used to typing the SPHell rather than SPL, all too often the top flight of the national sport has lowered itself from sporting conquests alone to a throwback of historical grievances or clan loyalty. The influx of foreign capital is thankfully sowing the way for a brighter game, although the transformation can’t come soon enough for many. However Im glad to report tonight’s fixtures offer the opportunity of that transformation speeding up.

2 games, 4 teams. Sounds straightforward but it’s not as simple as just 6 points on offer. The Pittodrie clash is a 6 pointer on the night, while at Parkhead (sorry Big Packy that’s my choice) the chance to continue remaining top presents itself. As a matter of fact the chance to put daylight between ourselves and the rest exists, as does the chance for the current top two to pull away from the rest. Therein lies the problem, in many different ways.

Firstly, the Whistlers won’t wish their beloved club to miss out on that second placed slot.
Secondly, nor will Hampden lest the biggest games of the season rotate from the Old Firm to the New Firm, which they shall view damaging to ‘the product’ thus the bottom line, although I would strongly contest that point of view.
Thirdly, those in charge at Ibrox really need second place after another terrible set of accounts.
And finally, as intimated, the foreigners expect a return on investment, and cheating them out of that very thing might, just might, have lasting repercussions.
Let’s face it, if the ref does Aberdeen out of three points tonight, the Yankee investors don’t have much legal recourse, but such a scenario would send a message to future prospective investors from the USA.

It’s funny but a big night in the SPL has quite a few Americans interested. Dundee have American investors, we know Aberdeen does also. R2ngers are in talks with a Yank billionaire says the rags whilst our beloved club has tickled the interest of another very rich USA passport holder.
He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but the exposure Snoop Dog would bring Stateside is massive, and now he’s piped up and publicly declared an interest in a piece of the Celtic pie. A clever board would and should explore this option.
Aye, many eyes in the USA shall be watching with more than a passing interest in mind,,that in itself could help influence that fact that a fair game is expected. If a fair game, both Aberdeen and Celtic should win tonight given recent form. I dare say Thelin’s result on the night shall also affect his January transfer budget, if still 2nd they might push the boat out then.

As for The Hoops surely Luke is the first outfield player on the teamsheet for a ‘here’s a look at what you could have won’ performance.
I believe Brendan will start Cameron with the aim of having him matchfit for Tuesdays clash, especially with it being at home where hes more comfortable.
Valle or Greg is a big call, I get the feeling either would play well if selected, but I think now Valle is upto speed, give him a nice home-tie to showcase and he will do just that.
Bringing in Tony Ralston to rest AJ might be a sensible option.

As for the midfield and attack, I’m pretty much spoilt for choice to the extent that any of them will do. The mainstays have proven themselves worthy, the fringe players continue to intrigue, the Kyogo or Idah for starting striker dual is heating up nicely, and one can imagine everyone pulling out all the stops in order to begin the semi final and RB Leipzig game.
The fact someone’s dropping points elsewhere is an added sweetener, but Im expecting the Bhoys to put on a show under the floodlights.
Others can have their battle but we write our own story.
Up The Hoops!

By Mahe