SENTINELCELTS

It’s funny how things workout sometimes, in life and in football. I’ll throw some examples out there.

Many of us would have wanted Sinisalo for the Cups,,Brendan didn’t agree and I understand opting for continuity but now the Cup change has been forced upon him.

Goals,,many of us feared a drop off after losing our number one striker but as it turns out but we’ve just scored 9 in two games, and with lower league opposition today there’s a proper chance of a another high scoring game,,,as soon as we get shot of Kyogo our goals per game average increases?

Greg being tempted by Zagreb,,who woulda thunk it? It’s not as if they were sitting around thinking we could really do with a Scottish left back, and the player himself will be exposed by a lack of height, technique, and pace in a nation that produces quality players, a highly scouted nation that produces so many players I’m wondering why recruit from outside? Still, I’m reminded of telling my dad I was moving to New Zealand and he replied there’s nothing out there, how wrong he was as I had the best year of my life showing one man’s spurred opportunity is another’s heaven. I hope he does go to be honest,,it’s a beautiful place and he will learn, and I personally like the idea of Schlupp and KT taking over the position. As Schlupp will be on a free, we’ve managed a try before you buy, if you wish. But his high wages will be an issue, we won’t have both left backs on top whack, or will we because he’s free? I’m hoping he puts the club into that position, starting properly from today.
Throw in Scales, Ralston, and Murray that’s a completely new back five! I’m not expecting that though, Trusty and Scales would get the nod, Murray given the entire second half if the games wrapped up please gaffer.
We need a good look at him, everyone wants a new youth product breaking through.

In the middle it would be normal gking on sensible to leave out some Bayern starters. But I get the feeling Engels is growing better, more accustomed with every passing minute, and I’ve seen dropping Reo have an effect before, yet the game is made for Luke. Callum will want to Captain the side in every round until hopefully lifting the actual Cup. Brendan doesn’t do himself favour’s with regard to budget when his try before you buy midfield signing Bernardo can’t nail down a first team place but look like a player who needs consistent gametime to progress. Its a tough one,,if I were King I would select Reo, Engels, Bernardo.

In attack everyone assumes Maeda starts on the left given the circumstances but I’m not convinced benching Jota or Kuhn for that matter benefits the player. Keeping those two on the pitch for a half also allows Kenny to start as there’s still goals in the attack. Idah doesn’t need to play the whole game, but I reckon if given minutes he will have a serious appetite to score more than Kyogo, hit 20 or so, just to make a statement he’s the top dog.

Lower league opposition in an early enough Cup tie equals something a bit different, a tinge of mystery, and of course the chance to impress not just the Parkhead faithful but the manager. One might opine a stern test before the sternest of tests is good preparation, but I’m in the take it easy camp. As long as they don’t go out to leave their mark on players, I’m happy with what should be another high scoring home win with all five subs used. Then it’s just a case of repeating it on Wednesday.

By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com