As the season heads into the business end of things, Celtic Women will this afternoon play against theRangers Women in the Scottish Women’s Premier League at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie. The title could slip out of reach with a loss here so the Ghirls will need to be on top form to ensure that we can give ourselves the best chance of becoming Women’s Scottish Champions come the end of the season.
Put simply today is a must win match for Celtic. Even a draw would mean that it would no longer be in our own hands and we’d be looking for theRangers Women to slip-up elsewhere.
The last time we faced theRangers Women was at Ibrox last month, where a crowd of theRangers fans plus some incognito Celtic fans witnessed a 1-1 draw that could prove crucial come the end of the season. When post-split fixtures were announced, this one was certainly one that went into every fan’s calendar as it is guaranteed to be a fantastic battle between bitter rivals.
Elena Sadiku spoke exclusively to The Celtic Star prior to the clash. She said: “I think it’s no secret that our second half [at Ibrox]is something that we’re very proud of. After the game, you could tell who was happier about the point and I can tell you it’s not Celtic. I think that we started the game poor, but we grew into the game and the second half wasn’t even the full potential of the team, I believe we can get more. And I think we can get more on Sunday.
“I’m really excited [about the intensity rising after the split]. Mostly because our training is very high intensity, so the girls are very used to high intensity. If you look at the Partick Thistle game, I think we dominated them throughout the whole game and it just shows that our intensity in training is very high, because I don’t think Partick Thistle were close to that intensity which is why we could score so many goals.
READ THIS ON CELTIC SHORTS…“We can have a great St Patrick’s Day and celebrate with the Celtic fans,” Elena Sadiku
“The split is something I look forward to because it will keep us focused in every training and in every game. I think that we, as a team, can do really well in the split.
“When we got told that our fans were not going to the game [at Ibrox]because Rangers took the tickets away, that only gave our players more motivation to give our best. It just shows how much the fans mean to us. To play at home, to have our own fans back, will mean everything to us because we play for them just as much as we play for ourselves and for the club. I really hope that we can have a great St. Patrick’s Day together and celebrate in the best way possible with the fans.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s the men’s or the women’s game when it comes to the fans because I think, right now, we have the best fans in the world. What I feel here for Celtic, this is my second month and I’ve already grown a lot of love for the fans, and I know the girls are feeling the same. And I can promise that the boys are feeling the same too.”
Commenting on the Scottish Cup semi-final tie against theRangers Women, Elena said: “I’m very happy that we’re playing in the semi-final, and it doesn’t matter who our opponents are. Like I said to the media, this is the third time we’re playing (the)Rangers so I’m getting a bit tired of seeing them every weekend. But we’ll be playing at Hampden, and it’ll be an exciting game. We have the same goal. It’s about winning that semi-final to play in the final. It doesn’t matter if it’s (the)Rangers, Hearts or Spartans, we have the same aim.”
Finally, she touched on what we might see in the future in regard to transfers, saying: “I’m always going to look further away and I’m already looking at some players that I want to bring in. But obviously, the focus right now is seeing the potential of this season, and the girls know that I don’t want anything else but full focus and bringing everything they can to each training so that’s something that I’ve seen the players do.
“But I know that I’m looking for other players to bring in the summer to strengthen up the team. And I think it’s the right time to do it because I want to be one step ahead all the time.”
Celtic Team News
Yesterday, Hamilton Accies announced the emergency loan signing of Lisa Rodgers, so we will be without her for the rest of the season. 17-year-old Rodgers joined Celtic from Hearts in January and was Elena Sadiku’s first signing as Celtic manager. She has not yet managed to make an appearance for the club, but some time out on loan could prove to be what she needs to break into the squad.
The usual starters and substitutes will be available for this clash, with Elena Sadiku set to field her strongest possible team as Celtic FC Women look for their first win of the season over theRangers which will narrow the gap to just one point and then the title race will be well and truly ON!
Player’s View
Caitlin Hayes previewed today’s game exclusively with The Celtic Star. She said: “I’ve enjoyed it [this season]. It’s been different but like we always say, different isn’t bad it’s just different. Each season I’ve been here, things have always changed but I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the freedom that being a right-sided centre-back gives me and just competing with my teammates each week to get in that starting 11.
“It’s a tough task to get in that jersey to begin with but an even tougher task every Sunday. So just enjoying the competition and wearing the shirt as always,” Caitlin told The Celtic Star.
“[Last time we played Rangers at the Excelsior] I wouldn’t say it was an up-front issue. It was just that everyone on the field didn’t turn up to the standard that not only the shirt needs but also the capabilities that this team has. I think everyone could have put their hand up and taken responsibility for that loss but as a whole, and as a team collectively, we now understand Elena better, what she expects and what she’s driving each day in training. With that, the performances have only gotten better, and the momentum is definitely with us.
“You always want to play in the big games, and it doesn’t get much bigger than this so just excited for the opportunity and as you’ve said, I’ve been here a long time, but every time it’s like a new time playing this fixture. But it’s something we’ll take in our stride and enjoy and hopefully come back with three points.
“It was a bit morbid around here for a short spell [after Fran left]but Elena’s definitely filled those boots. She’s not the same by any means but she’s definitely taken the team in a little bit of a different direction and that’s something that’s been welcomed. But it still doesn’t mean we don’t miss him.”
READ THIS ON CELTIC SHORTS…No ban on Rangers fans for St Patrick’s Day Derby: “We’ll roll out the green carpet for them,” Caitlin Hayes
Match Officials
Ryan Kennedy will take the whistle today, with James McCluskey and Kevin Totten assisting him. Josh Hay is the Fourth Official, and as usual, there is no VAR in the SWPL.
Kick-off Time
Celtic FC Women vs theRangers Women kicks off at 4.10pm this afternoon at the Excelsior Stadium as the split officially gets underway. Tickets are available to buy HERE.
Where to Watch
If you can, make sure to support the Ghirls in this intense Glasgow Derby, but if you can’t make it, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Alba. The BBC’s coverage starts at 16:00.
Score Prediction
It’s certain to be tight but this is our day, 1-0 to the Ghirls in green. With a home crowd backing them, and with how good we’ve looked recently, I don’t see theRangers Women walking away with anything this time.
The Goal Machine Tash Flint with the winner! Sounds like a plan Ghrils, go do it and give is a St Patrick’s Day Beautiful Sunday!
COYGIG!
Jessica Elliott
