Bank Of Scotland SPL
Saturday 6th August 2005
Celtic Park
Kick Off 3pm
So, after Tuesday night we are officially out of Europe until next year at least. On the upside, however, we bagged our first victory under Gordon Strachan, and played magnificently, albeit against second rate opposition.
Despite knowing that we have been thrown out of European football so early, I had a sense of pride regained when leaving Celtic Park on Tuesday. For the first time in a good while, I watched a Celtic team with fight, spirit and heart. These are the three things which have been lacking in recent games, and the team made me proud on Tuesday. It's just a pity the damage was done the previous week.
So with Europe out of the window we can now only focus on domestic football. I am fully aware that Artmedia are not of a high footballing standard, but I am sure we can all take a boost from Tuesday's victory.
Dundee United are the visitors to Paradise tomorrow, in a game where we will be looking to pick up our first SPL victory of the campaign. Last week's draw at Motherwell was obviously very disappointing and we are already trailing in the league. With Rangers playing on early Saturday afternoon, we could well go into the game four points behind. On the other side, we could possibly be going into the match with a wee incentive.
I believe we will start with the same defence as Tuesday. Balde and McManus looked decent together and Paul Telfer played very well. I don't reckon there is much hope for Mo Camara, but he showed what he is capable of by crossing for Beattie's goal. Artur Boruc must start in goal as he fills the whole ground with confidence when playing.
We hope to see the debut for new Bhoy Shunsuke Nakamura but if he does play, I would not expect too much from him just yet. He is new to the club and new to the style of football. John Hartson and Maciej Zurawski will be the likely starters up-front, and rightly so.
So after midweek, things are looking up and lets see if The Bhoys can bag another win. We need all the confidence and good performances we can and if we treat tomorrow's game like we did Tuesday's, I am sure we'll have no problems.
Come On The Hoops!
Prediction: Celtic 3-1 Dundee United