AZ (2) v Celtic (1)

I think the old cliche of the first goal in this game being massive. We score it our confidence will be up and they need 3 to take it to extra time, if they score first it’s a big test of character for our boys can they keep their heads up and weather a period of pressure.

I am pretty nervous for this one and I think the outcome could have big ramifications for the game on Sunday. We get the result we need and qualify the feel good factor continues, we get put out we are back under serious pressure to get a result on Sunday.

 

A single goal should be enough as i don't think they would put 4 past us. i'm going for 2-2.

 

Definitely am nervous about this one no question. Even with the 2-0 lead this is far from done especially if we give up an early goal. But I really don't think this will massively impact Sunday win or lose the tie.

 

Definitely think we will need to score over there to go through.

 

Christie is usually who I'd have starting on the left as a first choice but they'll need to be open and have a real go, so I'd go with Forrest, Kyogo and Abada as a front three for the pure pace to exploit the space they'll need to leave.

 

We'll pump these *

 

We're definitely scoring because they will be too open. That should be enough to get us through to the group whether we win, lose or draw.

 

If we lose the first goal early, I fear the worst.

Excited for the game as we have put ourselves in a great position.

 

Be interesting to see how we actually approach this..

I think Rogic may drop out for Christie and we'll be more of a counter attacking side..

I don't think Edouard will start either..

 

This can’t come quick enough.

A real opportunity for Ange and the players to put down a marker ahead of Sunday!

 

Seems to me AZ are in between a rock and a hard place - they need to score 3 goals to go through, but they saw how quick Celtic are and know how deadly Kyogo is in front of goal. Do they come out all guns blazing and leave themselves open? If they go down a goal or two early they’re cooked. If they try and grind a result by stopping us scoring they’re in danger of not getting the 3 goals. I know whose shoes I’d rather be in

 

I think they will go for it from the off and try and get an early goal to get back in the tie. If we can avoid going behind in the first 20 minutes I think we will be in good shape then but we I think will have to deal with a real onslaught from the off early doors.

 

The obvious approach would be to sit deep and try to catch them on the break, however Ange has already said we’ll go out to attack and play our normal game.

It will be interesting to see how we approach this one, but even more so when we play against even better teams than AZ.
As much as I love watching the free flowing attacking football, I’m not sure how we’ll fair out against the top sides in Europe, with our current squad.

When we were playing great football under BR we didn’t change our style in the CL, and were on the end of some bad beatings.

Wonder if Ange will make any adjustments in style against top teams.

 

When Ange was in charge of the national team for Aus we changed our style subtlety depending on who we were up against - he loves the data driven analysis for figuring out where his teams can gain an edge against more skilled opposition. It will be interesting to see how we line up and what changes are made tactically

 

That sounds promising, can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the season.
Haven’t even this excited about watching Celtic in years.

 

Yes, that would be my thinking also, need Christies energy and workrate, keep Tams silky skills fresh for Huns game.
Also reckon better with Forrest starting ahead of Dada, we don't really need to go gung-ho, Forrest always does well in European games.

 

Definite question marks over Forrest, Christie and Rogic on who will play. Edouard is definitely not starting this one.

 

Kyogo to start and Eddie to come on last half hour to rest the wee man and give us an out ball.

 

Can't see us not scoring.

 

Will be same team that started 1st leg but Christie in for Forrest, gives us plenty pace and energy then Eddy on for last 30 mins depending on how it’s going.