By any realistic analysis we have little chance of avoiding defeat at Parkhead. Celtic’s league form has rarely faltered and since they lost to Aberdeen in September the record shows tens wins and two draws. They have not lost a domestic game at home all season.
A happy day in 2008
Optimists will turn to the steady improvement our team has shown in recent weeks and point out that anything can happen in a two horse race. They also point to our last win in Glasgow’s east end in April 2008 when Mark McGhee’s ten men came away with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Lappin. Those who see the world through claret and amber glasses might take advantage of the odds of 28/1 for an away win or 10/1 for a draw.
The manager surprised us last week with the inclusion of Ben Hall alongside McManus in the back line. The debutant impressed but some thought will be needed before exposing the youngster to a less than sympathetic audience. We can expect McDonald to withdraw a few yards to bolster the midfield in the hope that we can exert some influence in the middle of the park.
The opposition have an embarrassment of riches in attack. Griffiths is reported as fit and he’ll be keen to add to his goal tally of 19 in the season to date. His short absence made room for Ciftci and the opportunity was grabbed with a couple of goals against St Johnstone. If the pair start it would make for a formidable threat.
Whatever strategy we employ it will require a huge effort on our part if we are to cause an upset. Celtic will have to falter and we will have to be clinical when the chance comes. A ‘Well win would restore this correspondent’s belief in Santa but sadly the likelihood is of a 3-0 defeat.
UPDATE
At Thursday's media conference Mark McGhee said the Ben Hall would be in the team on Saturday.