Celtic FC Women take on Glasgow City at Celtic Park knowing that a win will take them within two points of the current league leaders who have a difficult away game against theRangers on the last day of the season – and make no mistake theRangers need to win that one if they are going to make it through to the Champions League or if goal difference goes their way maybe even win the league.
As things stand all three sides will see viable opportunities to win the league and will be going all out to secure the title which for Celtic would be a first ever women’s league title. Last season Fran Alonso’s side won the cup double and they have the Scottish Cup Final against theRangers at Hampden at the end of the month but for now it’s all about the SWPL1 and winning the final three matches against Glasgow City tomorrow at Celtic, away to Hibs on Sunday then at home (at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie) on the last day of the season a week in Sunday. That could be quite an occasion!
We tried to explain the permutations in how this league battle could play out for all three sides earlier this evening and you can read that below.
READ THIS…Celtic v Glasgow City – The Permutations on How the League Can Be Won
Thursday night will see Celtic smash the SWPL1 attendance record which is currently held by Hibs for an Edinburgh Derby match against Hearts last season – that game attracted 8,066 spectators but you can expect that to be blown out of the water tomorrow by the Celtic support with the Green Brigade and The Bhoys combining to create the Celtic Way behind the goal in the Jock Stein stand.
Season ticket holders can print off a free ticket via the official Celtic site and for non season ticket holders it’s just £8 for adults and children are free, so why not bring the family and watch what should be a brilliant match between two quality teams each trying to become the Champions of Scotland.
Team News
Celtic FC Women will be without both Liv Chance and Natalie Ross, who fractured an arm on Sunday against Partick Thistle and will miss the rest of the season. Both will be a big loss for the Celtic midfield but Fran Alonso has enough quality in the squad to cope.
Chloe Logan played her first game since suffering a knee injury in February 2022 at the weekend and made a crucial double save against Partick Thistle on Sunday. However experienced Mexico international goalkeeper Pam Tajonar, who has been superb for Celtic this season, will have the gloves for the remaining games in this campaign with Chloe looking towards next season for starts.
So with Pam Tajonar in goals the back three is likely to be taliswomen Caitlin Hayes, Kelly Clark (the captain) and Claire O’Riordan. The wing-backs will the impressive Hana Kerner and the speedy winger (Shen) Menglu – watch those two flying down the flanks!
In the middle of the park Lisa Robertson will come into the engine room alongside Shen (Mengyu), who you may remember scored that wonderful opening goal in the Scottish Cup Final win over Glasgow City last May against Glasgow City at Tynecastle..
The front three for Celtic will be Amy Gallacher, the great grand-daughter of Celtic legend Patsy, the classy Jacynta and the goal machine Tash Flint.
If you know your history…
Amy Gallacher, great granddaughter of Celtic legend Patsy, is aiming to write her own name into the Celtic history books.
Get behind Amy and the Ghirls tomorrow in a must-win match at Celtic Park:https://t.co/Xj36bBjtXj pic.twitter.com/FTYrJ0sb8U
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) May 10, 2023
On the bench for Celtic tomorrow night will be Chloe Logan, Chloe Craig, Taylor Otto, Maria McAneny, Liv Fergusson, Kit Loferski, Tegan Bowie and Clare Goldie.
Predicted Celtic Team (3-4-3)
The Celtic Star reckons that Fran Alonso will name the following Celtic team to take on Glasgow City at Celtic Park tomorrow evening.
Tajonar, Hayes, Clark and O’Riordan; Kerner, Robertson, Shen and Menglu; Gallacher, Flint and Jacynta
Subs: Logan, Craig, Otto, McAneny, Fergusson, Loferski, Bowie and Goldie.
Match Officials
The Scottish FA has confirmed that George Calder will referee tomorrow night’s match between Celtic and Glasgow City at Celtic Park. Calder will be assisted by Brian Christie and Ross Nelson and the Fourth Official will be Ryan Kennedy. There is currently no VAR in operation in the SWPL1 this season.
Kick-off Time
Celtic FC Women v Glasgow City kicks off at 7.30pm
Where to Watch
If you can’t make it along to Celtic Park tomorrow night the Celtic FC Women v Glasgow City match is live on Sky Sports.
Media Conferences
The Celtic Star spoke to both Fran Alonso and Amy Gallacher ahead of tomorrow’s match against Glasgow City and you can watch both these interviews below…
Fran Alonso’s Media Conference….
“It is no secret that we are an expansive team. We like to play out from the back and play possession-based football. For that you need space to attack. When there is less space, it is obviously easier for the opposition to defend. So games like Sunday where the opposition is a little bit fresher and they are very well-organised, they made it so hard, even after we went ahead.
“On big pitches it’s rare that we have bad games, the girls like to play in these sorts of circumstances where there is more space. We have so many talented players in the team, and we have a lot of pace, which again is more difficult to exploit on smaller pitches.’
“So I’m delighted in a number of ways that the game is at Celtic Park in front of our fans. It couldn’t get any better. We know it’s going to be a tough game against top of the league and it is a must-win game. But I’m confident we can put in a good performance and hopefully get the three points.”
“I remember that game well,” she said. “I absolutely hated it, and I hated playing against Celtic when I was at Hibs. Playing in front of the Celtic fans at that point, it was quite intimidating. Hopefully we have a big crowd coming out, and we can create that intimidation for Glasgow City, too, and make it hard for them,” Amy Gallacher said.
“We are really looking forward to playing at Celtic Park. The whole squad is buzzing. It will be in front of a lot of fans. It’s obviously one of the biggest games of the season, and a massive game we need to win. Everyone is just full of confidence, and we are ready to go ahead of Thursday night.’
“We have obviously beaten Glasgow City in our last two games against them. I think that will be in the back of their mind coming here. The pressure is ultimately on them. So we just need to go out, put in a good performance in front of the fans and hopefully win the game,” said Amy Gallacher.
Match Tickets and All You Need to Know
Celtic season ticket-holders can get a FREE ticket now via the Celtic FC Website (print at home) and for non season ticket holders tickets are available now for just £8 for adults and FREE for children. Full details below.
COYGIG!
🚨 Due to great demand, further tickets have been released for this Thursday’s #SWPL clash at Paradise!
🏟 Don’t miss out, be part of a historic crowd at Celtic Park ➡️ https://t.co/g3N4LVgNHx#CelticFC 🍀 #COYGIG https://t.co/kKi2n3diGd
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) May 10, 2023
🏟🤩 The Ghirls take to Paradise tomorrow night for a crucial #SWPL fixture, where three points will keep their title hopes alive!
Full info on tickets can be found below 🎟⤵#CELCIT | #COYGIG🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 10, 2023
📖 Ahead of matchday at Paradise tomorrow, here is your #CELCIT Matchday Guide!
A victory in front of what’s set to be a record-breaking crowd would keep the Ghirls’ title hopes alive.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match ⤵️#SWPL | #COYGIG🍀
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) May 10, 2023
