Celtic close the latest run of fixtures in second place, four points off Rangers but look forward to a favourable run of fixtures in the run-up to the January 2nd Glasgow Derby game at Celtic Park. The news today that Aston Villa are courting Steven Gerrard to replace Dean Smith as manager will only hand Celtic a greater advantage. Whether Gerrard departs for the Premier League or not, the focus is off Lennoxtown and Ange Postecoglou who can diligently continue their work ahead of another run of fixtures that could prove to be pivotal in the race for the title.
EXCLUSIVE: Aston Villa on course to name Rangers boss Steven Gerrard as manager | ✍️ @Chris_Jack89https://t.co/1jBJ7xUNBh
— Herald Sport (@Herald_Sport_) November 9, 2021
Celtic are next in action on Saturday 20th against St Johnstone in the League Cup semi-final with a place in the Final at stake. Rangers play the next day against Hibernian but there are doubts as to whether Gerrard will be in the dugout as rumours mount that he is ready to clear out his entire backroom staff and move back to England. The departure of the Rangers manager could threaten to throw Ibrox into turmoil as Celtic really start to find their groove in form. With European football confirmed for after Christmas, Celtic can look to build a lead in the league as well as winning a first trophy under Postecoglou.
Following the game at Hampden, Celtic travel to Germany in the Europa League before facing Aberdeen at Celtic Park on Sunday 28th. On the following Sunday, Celtic host Hearts on the unique kick-off time of 7:45 pm on a Thursday. After that, a particularly tough game away to Dundee United is sandwiched between the game against Hearts and then the final Europa League game at home against Real Betis.
20th of November 2021 – Celtic v St Johnstone (League Cup) 17:15 KO
25th of November 2021 – Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic (Europa League) 17:45 KO
28th of November 2021 – Celtic v Aberdeen (Premiership) 15:00 KO
2nd of December 2021 – Celtic v Hearts (Premiership) 19:45 KO
5th of December 2021 – Dundee United v Celtic (Premiership) 12:00 KO
9th of December 2021 – Celtic v Real Betis (Europa League) 20:00 KO
12th of December 2021 – Celtic v Motherwell (Premiership) 15:00 KO
15th of December 2021 – Ross County v Celtic (Premiership) 19:45 KO
18th of December 2021 – St Mirren v Celtic (Premiership) 15:00 KO
26th of December 2021 – St Johnstone v Celtic (Premiership) 12:30 KO
29th of December 2021 – Celtic v Hibernian (Premiership) 19:45 KO
2nd of January 2021 – Celtic v Rangers (Premiership) 12:00 KO
The block of fixtures culminates in the Glasgow Derby against Rangers at Celtic Park. There may also be a Cup Final before Christmas if Celtic can overcome Callum Davidson’s team in the semi-final. In that time, Rangers have to go to difficult grounds such as Easter Road, Tynecastle, Livingston and Pittodrie before arriving at Celtic Park. With that fact in mind, Celtic should be looking at surpassing Rangers and mounting a lead at the top of the table.
There are some tricky fixtures at home as well as trips to Paisley, Dingwall, Dundee and McDiarmid Park. However, given that the previous block of fixtures was tougher, Celtic supporters should be hopeful that the club will hit their groove into the next seven weeks.
It is a busy time for Celtic and you would expect that the manager would rotate well given that he is set to welcome more players back from injury. We should expect to see players like James Forrest, Christopher Jullien, Giorgos Giakoumakis, James McCarthy and Mikey Johnston increase their time on the pitch and give crucial members of the first team rested to avoid burnout or niggling injuries like were witnessed with Tom Rogic and Carl Starfelt.
In Dundee for the match this afternoon so took the opportunity to make some local deliveries personally. pic.twitter.com/o7ykbURz16
— Harry Hood: Twice as good (@HarryHoodBook) November 7, 2021
What a crock of crap!
Why would Villa pay compensation for Gerrard when they can get Lampard, a superior manager who also has EPL experience with a far bigger club than Villa, without compensation other than salary and signing fee!
Then there’s Martinez! Also a superior manager with a proven record. Let’s not fool ourselves here! Gerrard has one trophy from twelve attempts, and that came only because Celtic imploded last season! Granted, it is the club’s first ever top division trophy, but still, one from twelve attempts? I suspect Gerrard also knows he has the referees, SPL and SPFL cheering him on week after week, a luxury he won’t get in England! To that, add the under the table, tax free EBT he has waiting for him, Villa also know as soon as the Liverpool job opens up, Gerrard would be off like a shot anyway!