Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas is predicting a share of the points from Wednesday’s Glasgow Derby, however as is often the case with Charlie his logic seems a touch skewed.
Writing in his Daily Express column, Nicholas has claimed Celtic have lost both their rhythm and composure as well as claiming both Celtic and theRangers have defensive vulnerabilities that could cost them.
“Celtic have to go for it, even if it’s not about leapfrogging their biggest rivals right now for Ange. Of course, it’s important for the Hoops supporters. But, for the Australian boss, the final table is all that matters. And he is right.
“However, it would still be massive for Celtic if they were to win against their Glasgow foes. Things have changed dramatically in recent weeks – and the Bhoys have to be confident with the game at Celtic Park – with Saturday’s late win over Dundee United being celebrated for a good 10 minutes after the final whistle.
“But it was nothing more than an average performance, considering (the)Rangers had dropped two points earlier in the day at Ross County. Celtic might have beaten United and held off a spirited Hearts in their last two games, but they have lost their rhythm and composure.
“Nir Bitton was massive in both but he then got himself suspended with a second booking against the Arabs. Celtic finished with an inexperienced side and credit to them for digging out a win through Liel Abada’s 90th-minute tap-in after appearing to be running on empty. But neither side is playing well. My old club are just hanging in and the Gers are a mess defensively.
“For Celtic, a lack of experience could be problematic. I see goals as both teams have defensive vulnerabilities. Van Bronckhorst’s first loss as Gers boss will come, but not yet. I’ve a feeling it’ll be a score draw.”
Charlie got one thing right at least, Ange Postecoglou certainly won’t consider any trophies won, no matter what way the result goes tomorrow night, however where he gets the idea Celtic have lost their way, I have no idea.
Since 19 September last year when Celtic were defeated by Livingston, Celtic have lost only two games, both against Bayer Leverkusen, this despite dealing with a quite unbelievable run of injuries. So, to suggest Celtic have lost any sort of rhythm, composure, or are suffering from the defensive heebie jeebies as we head into February, is completely wide of the mark.
Instead, Celtic still have the best defensive record in the top flight and with all four first choice defenders and goalkeeper available for selection tomorrow night, Celtic look well placed for a strong defensive showing.
Against Hearts Celtic dominated the game, scored their goals early and silenced a hostile crowd. Yes, Hearts got back into the match, however much of that was down to tiring limbs and mental fatigue for players who were playing their first games in some time, and in truth despite a flurry from Hearts, Celtic ultimately saw out the game professionally, and it should be said on a ground where the Hoops had lost the corresponding fixture on the first day of the season. That smacks of progression, certainly not regression.
I get Charlie probably wants to be seen to be even handed, however on form -and just ask the Bookies – Celtic are not just favourites for the game, they are favourites for the title, and that’s because if any side has lost their rhythm, it’s across the city and not at Celtic Park. After all, theRangers have drawn at Pittodrie, the same in Dingwall and scraped past Livingston with the aid of an honest mistake at Ibrox since returning from the winter break, in short, they are wobbling.
Celtic on the other hand, keep absorbing their bad luck with injuries and international call-ups and putting teams away, that is because they have momentum, just as we saw with a never say die 10-man defeat of Dundee United on Saturday – and to call Liel Abada’s composed control and finish under such a weight of pressure a ‘tap-in’ just sums up the Colin Nish Charlie Nicholas spouts on a nigh on weekly basis.
If this game as Charlie predicts ends all square there will only be one team disappointed in that result, and that has nothing to do with league titles and everything to do with Celtic being the form side, the defensively stable side, the composed side and one very much in their rhythm, despite challenges with injuries and international call-ups – and to suggest otherwise is simply nonsense, although to be expected from Charlie Nicholas.
