The Countdown is on!
Official TC Match Preview


Celtic vs St. Mirren
Celtic Park, 22nd March 2014
SPFL, 15.00 GMT


Lennon looking to wrap the title up as quickly as possible​

The countdown has started, just 7 points are required for Celtic to win their third consecutive SPFL title. This relies on Celtic's close competitors, if we can call them close, to win their next two games. If either Aberdeen or Motherwell were to slip up in their next games then Celtic could clinch the title in their next game away to Partick Thistle.

Memories of the fantastic away day at Kilmarnock spring to mind and such an occasion would be welcome this time round. Since the title is now in sight i cannot see Lennon changing the team too much. There may well be one or two changes to the team that duly dispatched Kilmarnock last Friday.

Changes that could be made are to give the Dutchman Derk Boerrigter a starting berth. The Dutchman has recently voiced his concerns at a lack of an opportunity following a string of injuries. There is talent there for sure. What we need to do is find a system that he can fit into and flourish. With his pace and willingness to run at defenders surely a wide left berth in a 4-3-3 would be his best position?

With three midfielders in behind there is suitable cover for the more flair players to go and express themselves. This tactic however means that one of Stokes, Griffiths or Commons has to be left out. In recent weeks these three have been playing. Breaking this system up which has proved fruitful is a risky tactic. Then again the position we find ourselves in with the title won before the split should allow us to experiment slightly with different players.

Commons has been on fire this season​

Giving Derk a wide left position, giving Balde a striking role at the top of the three. Even giving the Icelandic lad a chance at the top of the trio. All of these variations should be to some extent experimented with. Make no mistake the title is won, sights should be set to the CL qualifiers next season.

Finding who can step up and play for Celtic is crucial, we need to know the capabilities of this squad. If we want to make it to the group stages for the third season in a row there needs to be a ruthlessness. This is a results business and the next 8-10 games or so should provide the manager and the fans a good overview of who will be in contention for next season.