BRENDAN RODGERS is looking forward to picking up three points this afternoon in what is usually a battle of 1st v 2nd but this time is a fight between 6th v 7th in the Scottish Premiership.
Those three points will push Celtic closer to where we need to be though and are therefore vitally important. A packed, 60,000 capacity Celtic Park will do our best and we’ll provide you with a match report having actually been at the game.
“It’s always a very tough game. I think Derek’s team will be in a really good spirit. They’ve been up there challenging for leagues and cups before I came up here, so Derek’s done a great job with Aberdeen,” Brendan told the official Celtic website.
“They had a spirited performance during the week that got them into the semi-final, so they’ll want to come to Celtic Park and play well. So we know we have to play well in the game to get the points,” observed Brendan.
Leigh Griffiths has returned to scoring form and while Brendan has had a word with him about his “I’m the No.1” celebrations after his winner against Rosenborg, the manager is nevertheless pleased with his Number 9.
“It all comes hand-in-hand with Leigh, in terms of his fitness, his games, and his confidence. I was very pleased with the team the other night.
“In particular the second half, as I thought we were a bit more tentative at the beginning. We were too slow in our passing, and midway through the first half we got quicker through the lines with the ball and we started to put that risk into our game, which is what it is about for us in the final third of the pitch.
“I spoke again at half-time and in the second half, as a team, our movement was better, our speed was better and we created a number of opportunities, real good chances as well, to score.
“But Leigh, in the end, did what he does best in and around the box. If you look at his three goals, they are all predatory in their own different ways. So to get three goals in three games is great, and he’ll tell you himself, he could have had a hat-trick, but he’s always there.
“And that’s why he’s got the goals record he has. It’s an incredible goals-to-games ratio that he has here at Celtic. If he can keep up that level of fitness, and keep up that intensity, that work and movement, then everything else follows, and it really benefits the team.”
There will be a minutes applause before the game today to honour former Celts Jim Brogan and Graeme Morrison who both passed away this week.
There will also be a minutes applause on 26th minute to remember a young Celtic supporter who was tragically killed in an accident this week.
Please retweet and make this happen, RIP big guy forever in our hearts ???????? @CelticFC Ross @maccageezer can you help retweet this please pic.twitter.com/kYh2OYAU5o
— Lesley (@lellymair) September 27, 2018
Let’s hear from you. Join in the debate on the new Celtic fans forum Celtic Noise and give your thoughts on today’s game against Aberdeen…
