Ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League group stage tie against Celtic, we spoke to Ruairi Daly from Read Celtic to find out more about the Scottish champions.
Celtic are unbeaten in the league so far this season and have been scoring for fun. Their only two defensive tests have seen them concede nine goals, seven of which were against Barcelona, and the other two in their second leg play-off tie against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Strengths
The best form of defence for Celtic is attack and they have done so consistently so far this season. Scoring four or more goals across all competitions this season, including 23 league goals already, it’s clear to see Celtic are head and shoulders above their domestic opponents. We are still some way of competing in Europe, but at home we can hopefully get more possession than we did a fortnight ago in the Camp Nou and cause some problems. At the weekend Swansea had success playing between the lines and passed the ball around to good success at times, which is what I am hoping Celtic can do on Wednesday night.
We also have the benefit of a strong bench for the first time in a long time, with Leigh Griffiths and Patrick Roberts likely to be on the bench due to the form of Moussa Dembele and James Forrest. This gives us options to add fresh legs if the game is close to counter attack and get a goal or two.
Weaknesses
There’s still a huge concern about the defence, especially against quality sides in Europe which we found out against Barcelona. Being organised and resolute in defence, similar to the 2012 campaign and nicking a goal will hopefully be the game plan. Anything else would be suicidal against Aguero, Sterling, Silva and others.
Both Dorus de Vries and Craig Gordon have been suspect between the posts this season so it’s hard to be overly confident going into games against sides vastly superior in quality due to their financial backing.
Players to watch
If there’s one man that will be able to exploit City’s midfield and defence it’s Tom Rogic. The attacking midfielder has gone to another level after impressing in spells last season and uses his pace and strength to turn players and drive at the defence.
Celtic’s main threat out wide will be their left wing with Kieran Tierney and Scott Sinclair. Tierney has continued to impress and display the ability to attack relentlessly for 90 minutes. Overlapping a rejuvenated Sinclair – who looks like the player City bought in 2012 once again – could cause City some problems and will be Celtic’s main source of attack out wide.
Prediction
I’d like to be confident and think we can especially with how high confidence levels are around the club right now. However, I am realistic and realise our spine isn’t of the same quality that saw us beat Barcelona in 2012 so I would very much be happy with a draw. That said, not one team has come close to matching Manchester City over 90 minutes.
Predicted score: Celtic 1-3 Manchester City
