Michel-Ange Balikwisha must start at Ibrox
We will kick off at Ibrox tomorrow lunchtime in the first Glasgow Derby of the new season, with every Celtic supporter asking the same question – who will provide our attacking threat against theRangers after our two matches against Kairat without scoring a single goal?
Daizen’s big chance. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
With doubts lingering over the future of Adam Idah at the club, Daizen Maeda clearing misfiring, James Forrest much better as an impact substitute rather than a starter and Yang not inspiring any great confidence, it casts a huge doubt over our chances of leaving Ibrox with all three points.
Defensively we are sound, but as for creating and finishing chances, we have been well and truly underwhelming. And it’s a problem that is growing rather concerning.
The hunt goes on for new recruits, with bids for Kasper Dolberg and Sebastian Tounekti ongoing, but as for the here and now, we are very low on quality in the final third.
Royal Antwerp FC v OH Leuven – Jupiler Pro League DEURNE, BELGIUM – AUGUST 10 : Balikwisha Michel-Ange forward of Royal Antwerp FC celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the Jupiler Pro League match between Royal Antwerp FC and OH Leuven on August 10, 2025 in Deurne, Belgium, 10/08/2025 Deurne Belgium Photo: Gvg/ IMAGO
Michel – Ange Balikwisha of course signed for the club during the week and he’s already been pictured training with his new teammates, and for me it’s a no brainer that he’s handed a start at Ibrox. As Brendan has already stated, the Belgian is match fit and ready to play if need be, so it makes perfect sense to hand him his debut tomorrow lunchtime.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates scoring during Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
I’d get him in the team on the left and play Benjamin Nygren on the right with Daizen Maeda through the middle. That opens the door for Arne Engels to start in the middle of the park alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
For the first time in a long time I’m not looking forward to tomorrow’s derby. It feels like a no win scenario. We beat them, it’s expected, they are woeful. We don’t, how low have our standards dropped? Are we truly on the decline? Much talk about players and managers. What about systems? We make safe short passes, sdeways and backwards, keeping possession (if lucky) but losing momentum and attacking threat. It is dull, boring, predictable and mostly ineffective. Did anyone watch Hibs last night? Win the ball, turn, face upfield, initiate an attack. That’s proper football. When Brendan leaves, let’s grab Gray from Hibs. Meanwhile, why haven’t we signed Martin Boyle and Miovski? All is not well in our fabulous club.