SENTINELCELTS

Who woulda thunk it?
Here we are on matchday 8 already going through, string of big results in the bag, ready to go to battle in Brum,,,with a single striker.

Of course Maeda can slot in, but he’s unavailable. I don’t even know if Kenny can play, either through registration or Cup tied. Kuhn might be an option but with no Boy Wonder (he returns!) in the squad nor Jamsie fit, the German is needed on the right more than ever because the left will need respite.
Decisions, decisions.

Adam is in for a very tough, long and tiring night, and now Jota is officially signed it’s clear either or both of Yang and Palma shall depart, but ironically they’ll probably play tonight having been deemed lacking. Jota is a big step up from either, and now he shall have a big Baptism of fire in the knockouts.

The managers team talk should be straightforward, put any thoughts of already qualified away, you’re representing the badge and Calmac will preach the same message.
I would say Celtic don’t play for draws, but apparently we have in this competition. A forward planner might opt for using this tough away game as a dressed rehearsal for the knockout phase away game we shall play. With that in mind, plus the players unavailable I just see the usual approach, I think the occasion calls for a very workmanlike performance, nonstop pressing and running trying to match them or make an option. I’m thinking Bernardo over Reo and getting Luke on the pitch at some stage. Engels needs the experience.
Very tough position for Greg to be in,,certain to be targeted with his personal Samurai bodyguard missing in action,,,there’s no point playing Valle as he’s off soon and there’s still a chance GT could sign the new improved offer that’s widely rumored to be on the table.

I recall absolutely biting my fingernails going down to Old Trafford under Fergie, who later asked Van Der Saar ‘Are you buying that wee Japs DVD, because you’re f#$king in it twice!’ (another reason hes never Jocks peer, he couldnt/wouldnt acknowledge a fantastic from range free kick but ironically later cheered when his own CR7 scored a bucketload). Similarly when the much applauded Pep came to Parkhead with his soon to conquer Europe galatians of Mancessity.
I recall a Bambi on Ice striker called Amido Balde putting a Brendan Rodgers Liverpool side away, I recall Arsenal needed to cheat to best the Bhoys under the much vaunted Arsene Wenger who is an alleged football purist but he never seen it when it came to the unsavoury nature of his team.
Although I often fear the worst, our record against the EPL is respectable, in my opinion.

But here’s the rub, the EPL (and I’m an avid watcher) has changed a lot, it’s a different kettle of fish that’s moved from a 4-4-2 physical setup into a rapid technical game.
Any side in that league would cause us problems, the best young talented athletes that would outperform our lot in sports science tests.
If the group pulls anything out of this, they are better than I thought, and I’ll gladly eat humble pie plus hand out praise.

By Mahe sentinelcelts@gmail.com