We thought we’d try to judge just how the Celtic supporters are feeling ahead of the Champions League match in Dortmund against last season’s finalists…
So we took a quick dive into the match day thread over on our favourite Celtic forum – Celtic Noise – where there’s an air of quiet confidence that Celtic can take something from tonight’s match while realising that this as as tough as it’s going to get in these group stage matches for Celtic this season.
A point would be wonderful and these are two high scoring teams so don’t be surprised if it ends honours even with a 2-2 scoreline. That would satisfy most of us. Here’s a selection of the pre-match conversation on Celtic Noise, and sign up ad join the conversation, it’s quick and easy…
Bridie Bhoy – Celtic Noise
CCV is missing as he never flew to Germany. With this in mind, I’d be tempted shore things up at the back for the first hour. So I’d either go 5-3-2 with Nawrocki joining Trusty & Scales at CB or 4-4-2 with a midfield of Bernardo, CalMac, Engels & Hatate.
But I fully expect Rodgers to stick to his attacking philosophy with his usual 4-3-3 formation. So I’d be surprised if it isn’t the same starting line-up as Saturday evening. I hope we don’t regret being too gung-ho as our away record is terrible due to never adapting our style against the stronger opposition.
I am feeling positive, so I’m plumping for a 2-2 draw. But my predictions this season have been terrible, so who knows!
Tommybhoy – Celtic Noise
Don’t listen to any media talk of Dortmund not been on form etc they have played five and won three drawn one and lost one and only three points off top spot so don’t listen to any media nonsense. This team made champions league final last season so it will be a tough game with a fabulous atmosphere against a big European team.
I would play Trusty to replace CCV and would start same midfield as Saturday.
Unsure about Kyogo or the Bhoy from the Rebel County but I would probably start Kyogo. We can’t take these games for granted so let’s just enjoy it. We already have three points and hopefully by 10pm tonight we will have six points or four points. Very, very tough game though.
Magnificent 7 – Celtic Noise
We should be under no illusions that this game is against elite opposition. If we are realistic it would be a major upset if we take anything from this match. Yes, we are feeling great about the Celts and how we have started the season on all fronts but this is on another level.
The truth is we are not expected to get a result. This won’t just be difficult …it is an enormous challenge against the CL runners up on their home patch made even more difficult with the absence of CCV.
My hope is for a performance that makes us proud any which way we can.
Espiritosanto – Celtic Noise
Based on what I watched last week Dortmund v Bochum they’re not a bad team, but not a great team. Bochum had the chance to go three up in the first 45 but missed an open goal,second half obviously a different side but couldn’t really be any worse as they just went all out and Bochum went full on defensive. This game is totally winnable if we have the correct attitude, no free gifts and hope the Spanish referee isn’t a factor.
Lmcbhoy – Celtic Noise
Been in the stadium v Bayern a few years ago. Place is wild. The singing of YNWA will be iconic.
But a tough, tough match. I loved Ange ball but fairdos to Brendan he has upped the ante and I’m looking forward to seeing how we do. My heart says we win but would take a draw. Big onus on our midfield I think. Bernardo not Reo for me. Dortmund 1 Celtic 2.
Gary67 – Celtic Noise
With CCV out we will probably go with the same starting 11 as Saturday. A draw would be a brilliant result but unfortunately I can’t see it. We are simply not good enough defensively for this level, even with CCV fit, and we still have basically the same defence as last season. We haven’t strengthened the defence so can’t expect anything different away from home.
50 Shades of Green
Anything from our next two European ties are a definite bonus, both very hard games, even though we are ticking along nicely, its a big step up for us, even though we had a couple of decent games last season in this competition, we also had a mare…
Anyhow one game at a time. If nothing else tonight it will be noisy. CL Runners up albeit with three or four having moved on. My heart says point. My analytical head says your heart is drunk. My hopes are for good fast game with everyone of our squad at their peak, and not to come away with a tanking…
Mon the hoops…
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