SENTINELCELTS

The table toppers and table propper uppers meet this weekend at Parkhead in a fixture many will view as a formality. I fully understand, the Champions elect and head held high representatives at European footballs top table just hit a superior side for four goals without even hitting top gear. But it’s a funny old game, which merits a degree of caution.

From a wider perspective the game is really showing it’s unpredictability everywhere. Domestically there’s a great battle for second place and the emergence of a new force to be reckoned with, plus Hearts and Hibs have been replaced by Dundee United and Saint Mirren in the hunt for Europe, while down south has turned into a circus. Last year’s darlings (Ange and Pep) are on the verge of getting sacked, while two new blokes sit 1st and 2nd, making a mockery of Arteta building a team to win the title. The other team in red being talked about positively in good old Notts Forrest, Man Utd only garner negative news. The Champions League itself, far to predictable for far too long is throwing up some true outliers like ourselves, Brest FC, Lille, so although almost everyone finds the new Swiss format much more exciting, I expect power plays behind the scenes to offer the biggest more security. Alongside this the old Superleague organizers won a court case allowing them to offer it without penalties from National Associations nor UEFA for taking part, its back on the table, but its a slow burner. Enjoy this format while you can, but definitely enjoy the anything can happen aspect of the beautiful game.

On Sunday some more tinkering could certainly happen,,let’s face it, a home fixture against the bottom team is generally the ideal fixture to rest players, especially if the following fixture is a must not lose fixture. I like to think there would be a psychological impact of bringing the Twin Towers back for Ibrox, ready and rested. I also like to think it’s the 40 million pound game, remaining unbeaten there puts one hand on the title and subsequent spoils. It’s therefore natural to prioritize it whilst also showing another top flight opponent a healthy degree of respect on Sunday. I expect football operations to take this approach.

It’s often said a squad player needs a run of starts to come upto speed, step forward Yang once again. He’s not disgraced himself recently, it’s a home fixture meaning he won’t take pelters, and I personally wouldn’t mind Kuhn getting just 20 or 30 minutes then starting at Ibrox. I’d give the Korean another run out.

I’d certainly start Kyogo with the aim of getting a goal or more and topping up his confidence tank, and I feel similar about Reo. Let him find his mojo at home then unleash him away, in a ‘one off must not lose’ game he’s usually an asset, and one would wish him to enter that occasion ideally scoring twice on the bounce beforehand to seriously boost the ego he doesn’t display but must surely have.

As much as I would include Reo, Kyogo, and Yang, I also see the ideal fixture to rest a certain player. A certain Captain. It’s highly unlikely he’s fully rested, but surely hauling him off as soon as possible would be the aim. The standard 60 minute sub would be perfectly fine and understandable I suppose, by there’s a part of me that longs to see a midfield trio of Hatate, Engels, Bernardo start a game together.

I’ve been consciously laying off Big Arne recently, I explained my reasons before, but today I listened to a Podcaster wonder if Celtic had made a mistake in buying him. Not even the New Year, and being questioned. I know it’s the pricetag, but jeez if we as a collective have learnt anything over this blogs lifespan, surely it’s the lesson that we accept settling in time given not only Kuhn, Daizen, Matt, of recent times, but numerous examples from the past.
Hit me up this time next year and ask me if Arnes capture has been a success, given we are on course for the quadruple we targeted (3 trophies and knockout phase) and he’s played his part, the facts aren’t yelling out he’s a flop. My personal take is that he’s playing it safe, not getting risky until he truly feels one hundred percent comfortable and in control,,and that will come. Even in risk adverse mode I’ve seen enough to realize he’s a proper footballer, and I take much heart from his team orientated celebrations. I think he will prove himself in the Hoops when all is said and done, his potential will be unlocked, the lad will become a Bhoy.
I’d keep playing him if I were Brendan, he’s already been benched despite the pricetag which was a good lesson to learn along the road to maturing, give him the minutes needed to grow.

I do expect another home victory to round out what has been one hell of a year regarding our beloved club, but more than likely everything above shall be disregarded and the Ibrox11 will start with half eventually getting hauled off.

By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com