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Celtic's precarious position

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by Callum McGregor, Aug 3, 2016.

By Callum McGregor on Aug 3, 2016 at 6:08 PM
  1. Callum McGregor The Captain Gold Member

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    Celtic's precarious position

    The score sits at 1-1 as Celtic look towards a nervy encounter with Astana


    Celtic v Astana
    Celtic Park
    Glasgow
    03/08/2016
    19:45 BST​


    The Hoops came away from Kazakhstan with a vital away goal after falling behind in the first half. The high temperature, artificial pitch and 5 hour time difference were all added challenges to the match against the capable Kazakhs.

    One of the reasons the Celtic support will be feeling nervous is the selection headache that faces Brendan Rodgers. The team seems thin on the ground for options on fit and capable centre backs. Kolo Toure will be lacking match fitness, Erik Sviatchenko is injured, Dedryk Boyata is just returning to training, Charlie Mulgrew is out of contract, Jozo Simunovic is also just returning to training and Efe Ambrose has been guilty of a number of high profile defensive errors. Eoghan O'Connell, Celtic's academy defender may be in line for selection but his relative inexperience of playing for the first team gives further cause for concern.

    [​IMG]
    Potential debut?

    Efe Ambrose. The name alone has become synonymous errors to the extent where memes about Ambrose's defensive blunders have become a running joke amongst the support. It would be grossly unfair to state that Ambrose always plays poorly, he doesn't. He has had some very good performances for the Hoops but unfortunately, his errors have been happening regularly enough for the support to question why he is still at the club. Seeing his name on the team sheet this evening will be enough to strike fear into the hearts of many supporters as it doesn't matter how well he plays, he's always capable of a game costing blunder.

    Nir Bitton, who looked composed when he was substituted on in the second half versus Astana, is another player who looks set to miss out on this crucial qualifying clash due to an ankle knock he sustained early on in the friendly against Barcelona.

    Bitton's usual partner in the centre of midfield, Scott Brown, spent several months at the end of the previous season playing through the pain barrier to represent the club, despite many fans (along with the player himself) noticing that his form wasn't up to standard. Despite putting in some excellent performances at the beginning of last season, ficke fans were quick to criticise the Celtic captain. With time to rest over the summer break, fans had hoped to see Brown recapture some of the form he's capable of but despite some small improvements, some criticism remains due to incidents such as slack passing during games.

    Many question whether or not injuries have taken their toll on Brown's body, whose game seems to rely so much on the energy he was renowned for playing with. A solid performance from the man affectionately known as Broony is required this evening.

    [​IMG]
    A return to form needed

    Fortunately for Brendan Rodgers, he has an abundance of midfielders to choose from and no attacking players are missing. With the tie sitting at 1-1, Celtic can go through by simply not conceding. Playing for 0-0 would be seen as too risky and is quite an unlikely strategy for the Celts to adopt. More likely is a cautious approach, letting the Kazakhs come forward and hitting them on the counter attack, as the onus is on them to score. Griffiths and Roberts have been in fine form and their contribution this evening could be vital.

    Moussa Dembele has yet to find the net as a Celtic player, so tonight would be the perfect opportunity. Recently turning 20, Dembele has clearly looked eager to impress and perhaps the pressure to begin his scoring tally for the Hoops has caused him to mount unnecessary pressure upon himself. There is evidently talent there and Rodgers now has the task of nurturing and developing it.

    One aspect that is giving Celtic fans confidence, is that Astana don't have a good away record in UEFA competition. The club from the Kazakhstan capital currently have 4 losses and 3 draws on the road. Parkhead is perhaps not the European fortress it once was however that is certainly cause for optimism.

    The new standing section should be in full swing this evening, with the ever present Green Brigade leading the fans in what should be a fantastic atmosphere. This is the biggest test of the season and the words of this banner is as appropriate now as it was then:

    [​IMG]


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    1st leg highlights
    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnQ-POb_2y8[/ame]