Bhoys Uniting For Home Run
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~
Jota notched up his first goal for the Hoops on Thursday evening
Sunday, 26 September 2021
15.00 BST
Celtic Park
Sunday's clash with Dundee United is yet another crucial step for Celtic as they seek to reclaim their League title. And even though the campaign is only six games into this season, given the current wobbles away from home, it is imperative that they continue to make the most of every match which is held at Parkhead.
After Thursday's comfortable victory over Raith Rovers ensured passage to a League Cup Semi-Final showdown with holders, St Johnstone, all attention now returns to the league, and the visit of Dundee United.
The Tannadice club - who, unfortunately, will not have any travelling support on Sunday to help bolster the atmosphere generated by having rival fans inside the stadium - currently sit above the Hoops on the table at this formative stage in the competition, and will be looking to bounce back after being knocked out of the League Cup by Hibernian on Thursday.
So Celtic will need to be on their toes and cannot rest on any laurels come Sunday.
Even though there is a very long way in this season still to go, and the Hoops have been struggling for results on their travels as well as currently contending with a depleted squad, rocked by a series of injuries, it's important to stay within touching distance of the current league leaders.
The performances at home have been bordering on sublime at times. In the thee league matches played so far, the Bhoys have accumulated a 15-0 goal record, with wins over Dundee, St Mirren and Ross County - although it should be noted that those three clubs currently occupy the bottom three slots in the league at this early stage.
It is essential that this form must carry over now into the coming fixtures, beginning with Dundee United on Sunday. And while there are has been a dependance upon a core of first team regulars, such as David Turnbull, Tom Rogic and Joe Hart, just recently others such as the United States International, Cameron Carter-Vickers and the Portuguese winger, Jota, have quickly begun to make a very postive impression on the Celtic support also.
December 2020: Turnbull on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win over United
Captain CalMac Remains a Bhoy!
And on Friday there was some great news, with Callum McGregor, having agreed to a 5 year extension to remain a Bhoy. The 28 year old, who inherited the captain's armband from Scott Brown just this summer, will look to lead Celtic through the coming years, putting pen to paper on a deal that will secure his services until 2026!
Ange Postecoglou spoke about his desire to have the influential midfielder's future secured just last week, and McGregor enthused about his passion and commitment to the club that he has been a part of, both man and Bhoy.
"The club's very close to my heart. I've been here for a number of years now, I'm happy here, I love my football and representing this club, and I want to stay here for as long as I can"
CalMac will be hopefully around to lead the Hoops for years to come
Team News
While it is great news regarding the long term future for McGregor, the Bhoys will have to continue without their captain for the time being, as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury.
Yet he is just one of a slew of Bhoys who are currently out of action, including Greg Taylor (recovering from shoulder surgery), Mikey Johnston (who picked up another niggle in midweek) and summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis, who suffered a setback with a calf strain during the warmup on Thursday.
Regarding the recovery of Kyogo Furuhashi, who was spotted at Lennoxtown doing some light fitness work earlier this week, the manager admitted that it is unlikely that he will be available again until after the next International break - which is the same prognosis as James Forrest and Christopher Julien.
What Ange Says...
Postecoglou reflected on the current injury woes that the Hoops are currently confronted with, but believes that the side can cope, no matter what and 'just have to get on with it.'
“I haven’t been through too many periods in my career like this where it’s so challenging with what’s happening off the field in terms of injuries and disruptions. But it is what it is and what our supporters want to know is that we come here on Sunday and do everything to get a result and just get on with it.”
Unfortunately for Postecoglou it is a few more than five players missing for Sunday
Head to Head
P: 213 W: 125 D:52 L: 36
Last 5 Meetings
DWWWW
Last Time Out
0 - 0
March 7, 2021
2021/22 Form
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SPFL: LWLWW
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Bhoys Uniting For Home Run: Match Preview
Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by Taz, Sep 25, 2021.