31 Mar 2022 08:44:00
I think O'Riley for Rogic will be the only change from the Ross County match.
That would also mean only Maeda for Abada is the only change from our 3-0 victory against Sevco at Celtic Park.
It's looking like Ange will start with a consistent starting lineup and there will be no excuses.
With Welsh being injured, I reckon Scales will now make the bench in front of Jullien because he can also cover the left fullback position.
I can only see McCarthy making the bench if Rogic is injured and doesn't make it.
Hart
Juranovic, CCV, Starfelt, Taylor
O'Riley, Calmac, Hatate
Jota, Giakoumakis, Maeda
Subs
Bain, Ralston, Scales, Bitton,
Ideguchi, Turnbull, Rogic, Forrest, Abada.
My only concern would be that 6 of that starting lineup have never played in a Glasgow Derby at Ibrox before and another 3 of our players have only experienced the occasion once.
( Calmac and Taylor are the only exceptions )
Due to our recent Ibrox record since last January and with Celtic currently on a 31 unbeaten domestic run, I would give Celtic a 50/ 50 chance on Sunday.
One thing is for sure, it won't be a draw because Celtic don't do draws at Ibrox.
31 Mar 2022 10:33:12
Not a bad team selection BB.
I wish you hadn't stated the 31 game unbeaten run though - as with all runs it has to come to an end - I know it will, but not in the next game IMO.
Realistically a draw is no good to them. They will have to go for the win to stay in the hunt. The longer the game goes the more chances they will take and we have the style and players to take advantage of that. I have no idea hoe Sensei Ange is going to set up for the first 20 mins but I feel that that period will be crucial as Rangers will be throwing everything at us. Weather that first 20 mins and I think the advantage will slowly turn in our favour the longer the game goes.
What do you guys think Sensei will do on the day? Go for the jugular from the off, play it tight for the beginning and ease into the game or as long as we are not losing just keep it tight and try to see the game out? Fascinated to see how it pans out for our team.
31 Mar 2022 10:55:52
Buzz I was going to post something similar to your post in that Sunday will be a massive test of Character of all our new bhoys, stand up to the bile and intimidation from their hordes and just play our normal game and we should be fine.
But like you I look at our record at Ibrox and worry and then you have to account for the "Collum Factor" he will want to be centre of attraction and I anticipate lots of puzzling decisions from him just to make it all about HIM.
Hopefully Ange has come up with a good game plan, which I am sure he has.
But right now I would take a draw.
31 Mar 2022 11:31:41
That not to bad but if the game gets dirty we only have one player to put in that's bitton. So if we are wining he has to come on last 30 mins or do. Or on from the start.
31 Mar 2022 11:32:23
It’s definitely a leveller with the game being played at Ibrox and it could go either way.
I’m expecting an end to end game with good chances at each end.
The winners will obviously be the club that is more clinical on the day.
The start of the game will be crucial because the outcome will probably depend on the opening goal.
I’m quite happy with Collum because your better with the devil you know and his poor decisions is because of his ability and not because he’s biased.
31 Mar 2022 12:38:31
I think the big Greek lad will be key for us. Been a while since we've had that presence and attacking threat. I'd take a draw definitely but if we play how we can there's no reason we can win by 2 or 3.
Back 4 picks itself which is great. I'd be tempted to put Bitton in for O'Reilly or Hatate in midfield but front 3 of Maeda Gio and Jota should cause them problems.
31 Mar 2022 13:15:36
yes henrik i agree no hatate.
31 Mar 2022 13:46:08
My concern for Sunday is set pieces. Any free kicks or corners they get I’m sure they will be testing our weakness at them.
31 Mar 2022 13:52:00
That would be my team Henrik, with
Bitton for Hatate?
2-0 victory with Callum first goalscorer.
??Mon The Hoops??.
31 Mar 2022 15:14:52
They have no hard men that I know of, wouldn't worry about that, yes set pieces but then do we not have the best defensive record in the league.
31 Mar 2022 15:21:41
Bitton for hatate as I said earlier if all going well bitton will probly
get booked as he gets stuck in which I like if he gets booked put hatate on.
Big ange will change things when needed.
Oh lads I wo T accept a draw. Go for the win.
Our defence is in a great place just now.
Maybe juranovic on the left ralston on the right. But in saying that Taylor has been good he's been going from left back to attack on the left and he helps defence. He just needs to stop taking that extra touch when in defence quick passing. Maybe he's also due a goal for us.
31 Mar 2022 15:25:13
Kyogo should be back, so reckon he will play some part on Sunday.
31 Mar 2022 17:21:50
Henrik. I agree in my heart but my head sees bitton smashing a mutant. It would be great to see obvs but we need a full squad lol.
31 Mar 2022 18:08:42
Mally we do have the best defensive record in the league but, when it comes to set pieces we are exposed. Dundee, Ross County, Alloa and sevco in the first game their goals came from set pieces and that is a concern for me. if we get that side of things right I am confident of taking something from the game.
01 Apr 2022 13:15:04
A few tough calls for Ange to make. Abada has been our most productive attacker so you could make a case for him starting Sunday. Hatate is another, his form has been a bit up and down since the last derby and with us playing away at the bigotdome he might look to Bitton for a bit of dig in midfield, but his discipline could be a concern in this game. I'd definitely start GG even if Kyogo is fully fit. I'd rather have Hatate, Kyogo and Abada coming on if things aren't going our way to change the game. Think the pace of Maeda, the trickery and crossing of Jota, the shift from Bitton defensively with Calmac linking up attacks would be the better balance to start the game.