I really liked him as a player. Arsenal should’ve signed him to replace Jens Lehman really. He was wasted at Newcastle in his prime.
I heard him on with lineker a while back praising the work the new owners at Newcastle were doing for the community.
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Is @flattythehurdler Shay Given?
Before the game there was a big banner behind the goal saying „Stop Crying Your Heart Out” with a picture of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or. Must have been the City ultras.
Obviously Celtic are big outsiders in this tie but I think they’re capable of playing well at home & getting a positive result tonight. Good home record in Europe these past three years since Rodgers returned & 10 out of 12 home CL points this season from an admittedly favourable fixture list. That said, the oft-mentioned by me Leipzig win was a statement victory & that’s the type of display needed tonight. Probably even a step up on that required as Bayern are better than them.
Maeda’s appeal being successful is a big boost to Celtic, although Rodgers quipped he ran the shit out of him the last few games on basis he’d be missing tonight. Most first teamers were rested in the cup at the weekend & I think the team will be:
Schmeichel;
Johnston, CCV, Trusty, Taylor;
Engels, McGregor, Hatate;
Kuhn, Idah, Maeda.
Main back ups will be Jota, Bernardo, Scales, Schlupp, McCowan & Yang.
Maeda can also play through the middle but I think Idah has returned to form since the brace at Villa & Jota isn’t fully match fit yet. He’s looked good enough already though so better him being first wide player off the bench than Yang.
Bayern will have Musiala behind Kane & then a combination of two of Olise, Coman, Sane & Gnabry on the wings. So it’s quite a collection of talent. They play a high line, press very well & look to dominate the ball. If you get past the first press or indeed get lucky with a lump forward then you can get in against them (see Duran’s goal for Villa with Neuer stranded as sweeper keeper). They score an awful lot but have conceded plenty this season too.
These high intensity CL are played at some pace & there’s almost games within games (cc Footix Thread & Joe Hart). Celtic will need to drop off at times & stay compact on the edge of their box but then look to take the game to them at times too. Celtic will try to play positive football & pass the ball around - it’s just whether they can build up & play through Bayern. They might need to sometimes just play the percentage ball down the side of the centre backs for Idah to run onto. I just hope it doesn’t become like Dortmund away where we’re overmatched & McGregor is pulled out of the centre & they’re breaking forward at will. They’ll likely have chances & score but I think Celtic can create chances too.
I think that will be the starting team alright. And potentially Maeda to move inside after 65/70 to allow Jota on for Idah. Depending on various fitness levels of course.
They have some defensive doubts this evening. Think Kim and Upamecano have knocks but at least one will play. Davies potentially a doubt too.
Even when they lost at Feyenoord they had 30 shots that evening. Expecting them to attack relentlessly which is a tad concerning. But hopefully we can keep some decent defensive shape while still relying on our quality attacking players to create chances without us all pouring forward recklessly.
The spit of the top of the shelters there. With a bit of the island golf course photshopped in the back.
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My sources indicate that Davies is definitely out & Kim is unlikely to play.
They have the converted midfielder playing right back (Laimer) & the converted right back playing centre midfield (Kimmich). Guerreiro will be left back & possibly Stanisic (spelling?) to come in beside Upamecano.
Celtic have pace in the front three these days so you could see them springing the high line alright. My concern is that Bayern just pen Celtic inside their half, Celtic can’t get out & the dam bursts.
If Celtic hold that Bayern team tonight I’ll never say another word against the domestic game in Scotland
I don’t think they’ll hold them per se, more so beat them 4-2 or 4-3.
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At pool?
This team but Bernardo not on the bench after going off injured at the weekend.
Celtic lineup as expected:
Eric Dier starts for them alongside Upamecano. Goretzka in midfield alongside Kimmich with Sane & Olise on the flanks.
Club Brugge scored in injury to beat Atalanta 2-1 on the night.
The Ceeeeeltic.
Maeda to be influential tonight.
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Kuuuuhhhhhnnnn.
Offside.
Check it.
Olise is some player
Some strike
Olise is a better more rounded player than MBappe or Vini I think