Celtic v Dunfermline

1

Huge game tomorrow night. This game was originally scheduled for 17th March but has been brought forward due to Celtic’s involvement in the League Cup final that weekend.

We have our main title rivals Motherwell at home in the league on Saturday so I think Neil may use tomorrow night’s game to freshen things up a little bit and I feel he may make a few changes.

It’s an opportunity to give some minutes to the likes of Izaguirre, Commons, Ki and maybe even Brozek.

Neil also announced today that Lukasz Zaluska is close to agreeing a new 3-year deal with the club.

2

I’d imagine Commons might start instead of Forrest and probably Izzy instead of one of Wilson, Rogne or Mulgrew.

Win the next two and you’d have to say it’s in our hands and our league to lose.

3

Great news on Zaluska, I think he is a reliable back up keeper and seems a good lad. Who else is coming to the end of their contract? Cha, Wilson, Loovens and Majstorovic? Anyone else?

I don’t feel any of them would be a great loss, I’d like to see Wilson stay on as he is quite versatile and is a bhoyhood fan. The other three leaving may allow us to add another centre back and some cover at left back in the summer.

4

With regard to the game, I think the likes of Hooper, Forrest, Wanyama and Mulgrew should be afforded some rest.

Lads, with the exception of Forster, can you tell me which two players have made the most appearances this season? I already know the answer to this.

5

I think you’ve covered all the out of contract players there, Totti. I don’t see any real need to hold onto any of them. I think Wilson’s injury problems and the signings of Matthews and Lustig render him completely surplus to requirements.

Naomh Pádraig CSC have a new base for Celtic games and it’s Cúchulainn’s Bar at Croke Park. They haven’t really found a proper home for themselves since leaving Frazer’s. First The Bridge on Westmoreland Street before it closed and then they moved to The Castle (site of new venue) before being based in The Vaults of late. None of them ideal.

6

Forrest had appeared in every game up to Christmas so I’m guessing he’s one of them.

Ledley maybe for the other one? (Mulgrew if not)

7

Forrest is correct, he has made 38 appearances, more than any other outfield player. Ledley and Mulgrew are both incorrect.

8

Cervi and Blackman are out of contract too. Then McGinn, Murphy and maybe one or two others out on loan.

9

Stokes for the appearances?

10

Did we not extend McGinn’s contract before he went out on loan?

11

Nope.

12

Samaras for appearances?

By the way, it’s his 27th birthday today.

Happy brithday to Georgios. :clap:

13

Ki (oddly enough) and Hooper were behind Forrest on the appearances so one of them.

14

Hooper is correct Rocko. I was quite surprised at that as Hooper has been a little bit injury prone since arriving.

15

Just an option I think.

16

I think Murphy may have another year on his contract as well.

17

My mistake, he does.

18

A few changes all right:

Celtic
[font=HelveticaNeue]Forster,[/font]
[font=HelveticaNeue]Cha, K Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; [/font]
[font=HelveticaNeue]Brown, Ki, Ledley, Commons; [/font]
[font=HelveticaNeue]Hooper & Stokes.[/font]

[font=HelveticaNeue]Subs: Zaluska, Matthews, Majstorovic, Samaras, Brozek, McGeouch & Forrest.[/font]

19

Bandage, I’d imagine Ledley will play on the left with Commons on the right. Personally I’d like to see a narrow midfield 3 with Commons playing off Stokes and Hooper. I fancy Commons to score tonight.

20

I think we’ll certainly do that with Commons at some stage.

No harm in making a few changes anyway but a clean sheet is imperative as I’m short on time this week and would hate to delay writing any required defensive analysis.