187 replies to this topic

[DLew On Roids]

The season starts this weekend and Celtic are 1-20 to win the league on Betfair. With the time value of money (you won't be able to cash a ticket until at least January), that puts them at about 98% to win using my back-of-the-envelope math.

Personally, I think those odds are a little long. 1-22 (99.5%) would be closer to accurate.

Edited by DLew On Roids, 12 February 2013 - 01:31 PM.

[mic99]

It wasn't easy but Celtic is through

Now sign another central defender and striker please....

[PedroSpecialK]

Looking like a near-certainty that Ki will move to the EPL.

Ledley, Kayal, Wanyama and company (perhaps Ibrahim?) will soften the blow, but it still sucks to lose a player of his caliber.

[Joe D Reid]

Helsingborg 0-2 Celtic in the first leg, with goals from Kris "He's as big as the House of" Commons and Fucking Georgios Samaras. That means they've got one foot and both shoulders into the CL group stages. Replacing the four annual Rangers death matches with CL matches would be fantastic.

[CodPiece XL]

Strange game. Celtic were not quite sure how to handle having an early lead and if the opposition had a clinical finisher they could have been down by half time. Samantha and Forrest could have made it three with one on ones in the second half. Lurch made some good saves. 2nd Leg should be a formality. With the sale of Ki...which should happen any day now, I wonder will Lenny get any $ to spend. That defence is a mess and a central defender and another striker should be on the shopping list as a matter of priority. They will win the league in a canter but they will be shredded by any half decent team in the CL if they don't improve.

They looked a bit disinterested against Ross County...and none too clever against the sheep. I expect them to lose and draw a lot more than last season assuming 1) They make the CL and 2) Lenny will protect his players at weekends prior to CL games.

I can see the natives getting restless if they don't try and improve the team with both the sale of Ki and the CL cash. I'd like to see Watt given an extended period in the team to see what he can do.

As far as sevco....lucky lads, Peterhead has the best fish 'n chips and they finally get to play in England....against Berwick. They also still don't play in the biggest stadium in the third division.

Edited by CodPiece XL, 21 August 2012 - 07:15 PM.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Regarding Commons's goal, I was tempted to remark "nice swing kick on a cross ball," but thought better of it.

Oops.

Edited by The Allented Mr Ripley, 22 August 2012 - 07:34 AM.

[DLew On Roids]

Falkirk's PA announcer was suspended for referring to Rangers as Sevco Franchise while reading scores on Saturday. Rangers seem to take themselves very, very seriously.

[fletcherpost]

Celtic win away in Europe. I will now venture into the street and find the first Weegie with a slash mark on his face and ask him if it was a shaving accident.

[Infield Infidel]

I read Trainspotting; hating Hearts seems pretty easy

Also, Samaras is Greek for saddlemaker, make of that what you will

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

I like Hearts.

[CodPiece XL]

Falkirk's PA announcer was suspended for referring to Rangers as Sevco Franchise while reading scores on Saturday. Rangers seem to take themselves very, very seriously.

I heard about that on Saturday, I was waiting for the mock outrage which was duly followed with calls for boycotts, the name and address of the announcer being made public, accusations of "taigness" and the ubiquitous clandestine agenda of everyone not associated with Newco. Some things never change.

[CodPiece XL]

I never hated Hearts. I began to have a dislike for them because of that dirty little **** Ian Black. He's now moved on to further his career at some 3rd Div Club. I no longer have a dislike for them.

[DLew On Roids]

You know who I hate? Michael Ian Black. Fuck that guy.

[Joe D Reid]

They're not any good, but they're (basically) already champions of Scotland and are now through to the group stages of the Champions League after beating Helsingborg 4-0 on agg. So it's not even September, and they've already accomplished as much as they're capable of for the season. See you next year!

[CodPiece XL]

They're not any good, but they're (basically) already champions of Scotland and are now through to the group stages of the Champions League after beating Helsingborg 4-0 on agg. So it's not even September, and they've already accomplished as much as they're capable of for the season. See you next year!

Try telling that to the 51,000 or so that showed up at Parkhead last night. They haven't been in the group stages of the CL for a few years, they have a young team that is only getting better. I don't expect them to qualify beyond the next round but stranger things have happened. They are in a better position than they have been for some time so it's all good. European football until Christmas..maybe beyond , even if it is the Europa. They have an 18 year old striker in Tony Watt who looks like he good make a name for himself, Forrest is another young gun who appears to be getting better. Plenty to keep the Celtic punters interested. The draw is live on FSC in a couple of hours....I'm hoping to see an English team in the same group.

[Joe D Reid]

Try telling that to the 51,000 or so that showed up at Parkhead last night. They haven't been in the group stages of the CL for a few years, they have a young team that is only getting better. I don't expect them to qualify beyond the next round but stranger things have happened. They are in a better position than they have been for some time so it's all good. European football until Christmas..maybe beyond , even if it is the Europa. They have an 18 year old striker in Tony Watt who looks like he good make a name for himself, Forrest is another young gun who appears to be getting better. Plenty to keep the Celtic punters interested. The draw is live on FSC in a couple of hours....I'm hoping to see an English team in the same group.

I know--I'm actually excited about the squad. But it is bizarre that, due to the Glasgow Sevco implosion, the most important, must-win matches for the year are already over. There's nothing else to realistically achieve, unless they add some depth and make the Europa run you mention. I can't remember a team ever having a season set up like this.

Edit--and thanks for the heads up about the draw--now I get to watch 90 minutes of awkward europagentry followed by the nightly Pick 4 lotto drawing. Somehow, I am legitimately psyched about that.

Edited by Joe D Reid, 30 August 2012 - 10:24 AM.

[DLew On Roids]

Benfica's a tough 2 seed to get past. Celtic's 2010 flame-out against Braga cost them a spot in Pot 3 and a much easier path to qualification.

[CodPiece XL]

Benfica's a tough 2 seed to get past. Celtic's 2010 flame-out against Braga cost them a spot in Pot 3 and a much easier path to qualification.

Yeah, but they get the perennial pushovers Barcalona to make up for it. It was going to be a tough draw no matter what...now will they splash some cash to strengthen the squad and I'm not talking about bench fillers.......

Added Fixtures: Back to back with Barca.....ugh. I was hoping to get them later when they had already qualified.
Benfica (h) 19/9
Spartak (a) 2/10
Barca(a) 23/10
Barca (h) 7/11
Benfica (a) 20/11
Spartak (h) 5/12

I guess group D is the "Group of Death"

Edited by CodPiece XL, 30 August 2012 - 01:34 PM.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Surprisingly, Celtic's match tomorrow vs. St. Johnstone is on FSC at 7:30 AM.

[Vinho Tinto]

Benfica's a tough 2 seed to get past.

Luisao today was suspended for 2 months by the league for this:



He will miss the first 3 Champions League matches. Factor in Witsel and Garcia's transfers and that second spot is wide open.

I'd put the over under on total goals on next Wednesday's match at 6.

[mic99]

Celtic seems to be on bright and early tomorrow on FSC.

Hillsborough-the documentary (3/4)....a horrible series of events....the Celtic reaction makes me proud to support Celtic (for what little that means in this situation) .

[CodPiece XL]

Surprisingly, Celtic's match tomorrow vs. St. Johnstone is on FSC at 7:30 AM.

Thanks for the heads up...I never knew until I read this thread late last night. I was expecting to have to watch some shitty stream but instead I got to watch some shitty team in glorious HD. Are they taking this league seriously or are all eyes on the CL? I never thought I would say this but I missed Samantha today, his long runs wreaking havoc from midfield have been the norm this season. Well at least they lost to St Johnstone, the first girl I ever shagged lived just outside Perth.

Edited by CodPiece XL, 15 September 2012 - 02:06 PM.

[mic99]

Thanks for the heads up...I never knew until I read this thread late last night. I was expecting to have to watch some shitty stream but instead I got to watch some shitty team in glorious HD. Are they taking this league seriously or are all eyes on the CL? I never thought I would say this but I missed Samantha today, his long runs wreaking havoc from midfield have been the norm this season. Well at least they lost to St Johnstone, the first girl I ever shagged lived just outside Perth.

Fucking embarrassing performance.....again

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Off to The Banshee for the Benfica match. I hope Saturday's team doesn't show up.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Today's match v. Spartak represents the best chance for Celtic to get any road points this stage. If they want to finish higher than fourth, they really need a win.

[CodPiece XL]

The game is on FSC in a couple of hours. Working at home today.......perfect. Hoping for at least a draw, injury list is clearing up....hoping to see Samantha back in his pre-injury form ( did I really just say that?).

[PedroSpecialK]

Forrest equalizes about 30 seconds after coming on. Perhaps an own goal, but still huge after Spartak's red card.

SAMARAS?!?!?!

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 02 October 2012 - 12:50 PM.

[Vinho Tinto]

The battle for 2nd just got its first twist.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

As the 2nd half was drawing to a close, I was pragmatically preparing myself for being happy with a tie, while still being pissed at whiffing on a win that was there for the taking. What do I know?

I was at Phoenix Landing taking a long lunch, I almost left after Spartak went up 2-1. Glad I stayed.

[fletcherpost]

Damn i'm in the wrong continent.

Whoooah, Celtic won away from home - wowzaroonie. And i missed the entire game. sucks.

Wow, an away win in Europe when it matters most.

EDIT: Rip (or anyone) where can i watch the Scotland Wales game in Boston. Kick off is 7.45 gmt on friday 12th october The two Fletchers will be in the Scottish Team.. so i might endure the pain.

Edited by fletcherpost, 02 October 2012 - 01:40 PM.

[CodPiece XL]

Great result. Now for Barca back to back.....am I being over optimistic thinking about one point out of 6? Barcelona are definitely vulnerable at the back but once they start their Playstation passing Celtic will be chasing shadows. Not to take anything away from Celtic yesterday but when they had the ball in the first half they gave it away far too easy after 3-4 passes, lots of unforced errors. Maybe something to do with the pitch. At least they went to Moscow in October and not December.

Great goal by Hooper.........I watched in slow motion as Samantha rose like a king salmon to head the ball downwards, it seemed like an eternity before it finally landed inside the right post. Next game: Newco 3rd division feeder team on Sunday.

[CodPiece XL]

Damn i'm in the wrong continent.

Whoooah, Celtic won away from home - wowzaroonie. And i missed the entire game. sucks.

Wow, an away win in Europe when it matters most.

EDIT: Rip (or anyone) where can i watch the Scotland Wales game in Boston. Kick off is 7.45 gmt on friday 12th october The two Fletchers will be in the Scottish Team.. so i might endure the pain.

I don't see any Soccer channels having it listed over here, however, I will be checking periodically and if I find something like it's on Gol TV I will let you know. I'd like to see it myself but if I'm betting I'll have to settle for some piss poor stream of Sky 2 sports.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Mart, it looks like The Haven (Scottish bar in Jamaica Plain) will be showing the match on delay at 2:45 PM on Friday.

http://thehavenjp.com/

I'll send you an email to follow up.

[CodPiece XL]

Mart, it looks like The Haven (Scottish bar in Jamaica Plain) will be showing the match on delay at 2:45 PM on Friday.

http://thehavenjp.com/

I'll send you an email to follow up.

7 years I lived in Boston and I never knew there was a Scottish bar. Suffice to say no such luck in Scottsdale, do you know what satellite feed they are using?

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

The Haven is fairly new, it's been around for just a few years.

No idea what feed they're using, I should probably call and ask.

[CodPiece XL]

So...Celtic have a comfortable 5:0 win over St. Mirren, aided by some comical defending.

Next.....Barcelona. The game is live on Fox Sports tomorrow with the Spartak-Benfica 3 hours earlier on FSC. I'll take a draw on both.....wishful thinking regarding Barca but they are vulnerable at the back and set pieces could be their downfall. They also scored 5 goals this weekend but also gave up 4 goals. To have any hope, Celtic will have to maintain possession for more than 3-4 passes at a time, this will be backs to the wall stuff. Celtic have a clear height advantage at set pieces.

On another note, Messi's girlfriend may go into labor but no chance he misses the game. She will probably have triplets.....

[SoxFanInCali]

Well, that was cruel.

[CodPiece XL]

It sure was. I hate to say it...but I had a bad feeling when I saw 4 mins of injury time added. Anyway, it gives me hope they can get a point at Parkhead...Barca did not look too good on defence and clueless at defending set pieces....it's keeping the ball that's Celtic's problem. I just hope Samaras will be available for the rematch in two weeks. Still all to play for as far as second place....my ony concern is Barca taking the gas off once they are certain of 1st place.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

That was a gut punch, but I liked what I saw, considering it was Barca at Camp Nou. Prior to this, I thought it might be foolish to wish for a draw at Parkhead, but now I have some hope.

[fletcherpost]

I think the possession stats were around 85/15 in favour of Barca - good job by Celtic to get that much of the ball. Scottish teams have to lose to the late goal, it's the only way to fail. That or the egregiously disallowed goal. I have a feeling Lenny is gonna struggle to hang on to some of his best players when the English come knocking. Best he can do is sign them to contracts and get the transfer dosh.

For anyone who wants some nice bedtime reading - here's a link to parts 1 and 2 of the McLeish report I spoke to you about Kev.

http://www.scottishf...AL%20220410.pdf

http://www.scottishf...Pt2%20FINAL.pdf

I read it a while back and think for the most part it's one of the best things ever written about Scotland,. not just football. I don't expect anyone to rad it all but for those who might have some Scottish Blood - it's worth a skim at the very least.

Thanks for sorting out the footie in The Haven Kev, great wee pub and the owner is a really nice guy too.

[CodPiece XL]

Can they improve on 18% possession today?

Hooper out, Izzy out, Forrest out...Samantha doubtful.

Tony Watt.........the stage is yours...well if you get selected and I hope you do.

Corners, free kicks....lots of high balls in. It's the only way to have a chance. I don't expect much, just don't get a "doing" , one point and I will be doing cartwheels.

Game is on Fox.Beer in fridge.

[PedroSpecialK]

No Rogne either - never thought I'd be praying for Sammy's fitness.

[mic99]

No Rogne either - never thought I'd be praying for Sammy's fitness.

Scott Brown out as well....not good.

[PedroSpecialK]

Jesus. I thought he'd at least be fit. Looking pretty scant:

Celtic Football Club ‏@celticfc
#Celtic: Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Wilson, Matthews; Commons, Wanyama, Ledley, Mulgrew; Miku, Samaras

#Celtic subs: Zaluska, McCourt, Herron, Fraser, Kayal, Watt, McGeouch [sic]

Forgive my ignorance but has Matthews been tried on the left for long? I thought that they'd go Mulgrew at LB and slide Commons and Ledley out wide right and left respectively, then have Kayal/Wanyama in the middle with Watt and Samaras up front.

Alas, no Kayal and no Watt.

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 07 November 2012 - 02:29 PM.

[trevorpost]

Wanyama makes me happy in unsavory ways.

[CodPiece XL]

Wanyama is a beast, not just because of the goal but if you watch him every week he strolls through games without breaking a sweat. I'll be sad to see him go....but the Premiership big boys are already sniffing at the door. At least his price tag is going up.

Fantastic atmosphere, ESPN has 15% possession for Celtic. Come on boys...more corners and free kicks.... if you can get a hold of the ball. Barca's passing is amazing around the box perhaps too fancy at times. They swarm players when they lose the ball not giving Celtic any time. My biggest hope is that Song gets the red card, already been booked, some really clumsy challenges. At least it would even things up a bit more....13 players versus 11.

[trevorpost]

Holy shit

[PedroSpecialK]

WATT!!!!

edit: with Benfica handling Spartak... talk about a best-case scenario

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 07 November 2012 - 04:27 PM.

[SoxFanInCali]

If not for Barca's last-second winner at Camp Nou, Celtic would be leading the group right now.

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

The last 15 minutes were wrenching. What an amazing game and result. I just can't get enough.