Celtic embark on a crucial week that will culminate in the highly anticipated first Glasgow Derby of the season against theRangers. Before that there’s the Champions League draw on Thursday afternoon and the transfer window closing at 11pm of Friday night…
This match on Sunday at Celtic Park promises to be a defining moment in the early stages of the Scottish Premiership campaign, with the Champions looking to open up a five points gap with the rivals. by kick-off time time we’ll know who Celtic will be facing in the Champions League and also the composition of the Celtic squad after the transfer window closes.
Brendan’s transfer market manoeuvres
As the Glasgow Derby approaches, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is eager to bolster his squad with fresh talent. The club is on the verge of securing Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on loan, a move that could be finalised in time for the weekend clash.
In addition, the Bhoys have submitted formal bids for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels and LAFC attacker Mateusz Bogusz. Reports suggest that Engels has already agreed to personal terms, indicating that Celtic are pushing hard to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes. Another potential addition is United States international Auston Trusty, for whom the club has tabled a £5 million offer, with a deal possibly being completed before Friday’s 11pm deadline.
Celtic’s Bright start to the season
Celtic have begun the season in fine form, securing three consecutive league victories without conceding a goal. The reigning champions are keen to extend their winning streak and build momentum ahead of the international break. Sunday’s derby provides an opportunity for Celtic to widen the gap at the top of the table, as theRangers arrive at Celtic Park with two wins and a draw, including a stalemate against Hearts on the opening day. That incidentally is the ONLY point Hearts have got so far this season!
Coverage and officiating
The Glasgow Derby will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 11:30 am ahead of the 12:30 pm kick-off. All eyes will be on referee John Beaton, who has been appointed to oversee the match. He will be supported by assistant referees Daniel McFarlane and Jonathan Bell. The fourth official is yet to be confirmed, while Andrew Dallas will head the VAR team, assisted by Graeme Stewart.
Derby Day tensions
While Celtic will be focused on securing a vital victory, derby matches between Celtic and theRangers rarely pass without controversy. With emotions running high and the stakes equally elevated, the hope is that football, rather than refereeing decisions, will dominate the post-match discussions.
As Celtic prepare for this significant fixture, the excitement and anticipation among fans are palpable. A win on Sunday could set the tone for the rest of the season, potentially giving the Bhoys a crucial early advantage over their fierce rivals and heap an incredible amount of pressure on Philippe Clement. The Belgian is still looking for his first win over Celtic as theRangers manager and hopefully that wait continues after this weekend.
This week had all the potential of being a massive week for ourselves, and also a great marker to show our intentions for the season ahead?
Still our transfer window has been shambolic in the manner that it has been handled, from all those responsible to date imo?
Yet, still enough time to salvage it as such, but still believe it could and should have been handled in a better manner than it has been, regardless of the conclusion?
Really looking forward to the CL draw, especially as I believe that this new format will suit ourselves much better imo?
Higher expectations within the CL is required to hopefully be delivered, and in turn we have an overall squad in place to take on such a challenge?
At present, I still believe that we have got a team in place to do so, but squad depth to cover potential injuries, still needs to be finalised, with greater competition for starting roles in a few positions still?
Never expect ourselves to fill our homegrown quota with CL class players, as chances are it never will be?
However, I still expect ourselves to be able to fill our quota regardless, and to have 8 Scottish players, who can do a job for ourselves if called upon to do so?
Yet we still haven’t got that within our squad at present, which is quite shameful upon our behalf imo?
Get them first two parts of the equation right this week, then the third part will make for a fabulous week, with dismantling the scum, and putting them back in there coffins yet again?
The CL draw, is going to be far more enjoyable without the scum involved also?
Maybe this week was always the intentions to give ourselves a massive week?
No issues if such a plan was always in place, but still have to deliver upon a few fronts still, to make this week another very memorable one for all of us celts?