Celtic FC Women v Glasgow City – “It’s about us telling our own story now,” Elena Sadiku

After a dominant opening day victory at Celtic Park, Celtic FC Women return to the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie for the first time this campaign as they face Glasgow City.

Seven different goalscorers ensured that Celtic picked up three points on opening day and gave the Paradise crowd something to cheer for, but already, there is no room for error as the Ghirls sit third in the SWPL table after both theRangers and Hearts outscored Celtic the day we defeated Dundee Utd 9-0 at Celtic Park.

Glasgow City have massively improved their squad on and off the pitch over the summer, with the likes of Lisa Evans and Scott Booth improving the squad and the backroom staff respectively. The once-dominant women’s side are confident that they can stay firmly in the title race this season, but with such a big game up first, there’s a chance for one team to fall three points behind in the second match of the season.

Elena Sadiku and the Ghirls have their full attention on this eye-catching clash as the Swede goes head-to-head with Leanne Ross.

Speaking to the media, including of course, The Celtic Star, before the game, Elena said: “[City] have, pretty much, a new team.

“I told the girls today, I respect their history and the team that they have been in this league because they have been pushing towards and they’ve put themselves out on the map when it comes to Scottish football but for me, it’s about us telling our own story now and playing the way that we play, no matter who the opposition is.

“Hopefully, we can come out confident and play how we want to play against them but also respect that Glasgow City is Glasgow City.”

You can read Elena’s full pre-match press conference HERE.

Team News

Chloe Logan, Natalie Ross, Amy Richardson and Kit Loferski are all still out injured. Elena indicated that we may see the return of Kit sooner rather than later, so definitely keep an eye out for her, although I don’t expect she will make the squad this week. Expect a same again side from last weekend.

Player’s View

Newly-converted wing-back Jenny Smith was the player who spoke to the media. She said: “We’re going into the game with the unknown about City. We know what they did last season but I think with the players and the set-up they’ve got now, it’s different.”

You can read Jenny’s full pre-match press conference HERE.

Match Officials

Keiran Trayner will referee this clash at the Excelsior. Scott Bunting and Steven Clark assist him. There will be no VAR.

Kick-off Time

Celtic FC Women vs Glasgow City kicks off at 4.10pm  at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie.

Where to Watch

The best place to watch the game is at the stadium, cheering the Ghirls on, but if you can’t make it, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.  Tickets info below.

My Match Prediction

I am expecting this to be a great game between two fantastic sides. Both Elena and Leanne have strengthened their squads over the summer, and I reckon that Glasgow City will certainly threaten us and maybe even put it in the back of our net. Although, in the end, I do think Celtic FC Women will overcome the City challenge to secure the three points at home with a 3-2 victory.

COYGIG!

Jessica Elliott

SCOTTISH WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE

CELTIC WOMEN v GLASGOW CITY Albert Bartlett Stadium Airdrie (Excelsior)

Sunday 18 August 2024. Kick-off: 4:10pm | Gates open: 3:30pm

Ticket prices: Adults £10. Under 16s £5. Adult & U16 £13. ORDER HERE.