FROM now up to the trip to Dingwall on 1 December, Celtic face ten potentially season defining clashes. Six home games, three away games and one trip to Hampden. Neil Lennon’s side need to compete across three competitions in the coming weeks and how they get on will shape our season.
Celtic face two European visits – that of Lazio and then of Rennes. Sandwiched between that is a trip to Rome to face the Italians and our Europa League fate after Christmas depends upon getting positive results in these games.
In the league, Celtic will play Ross County at home, before a tricky test to Pittodrie to face a hitherto misfiring Aberdeen. This game is pivotal to Celtic’s attempt to continue their domestic dominance as it is always a tough place to play; however since Brendan Rodgers arrived, Celtic have been imperious at Pittodrie winning six from six – with the latter being when Neil Lennon’s team clinched the Eighth League Trophy in May this year.
On the Wednesday following that, Celtic host St Mirren. Motherwell and Livingston are due to Celtic Park on either side of the next International Break. In total, four home games and one away game should aim to give Celtic maximum points.
On 2 November, Celtic face Hibs at Hampden in the Betfred Cup semi-final. The game would set Celtic up to be in their fourth consecutive League Cup final should they overcome Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
Meanwhile, the Rangers face a similar amount of games – including tricky tests away from home like Livingston, Hearts, Ross County and Hamilton. Meanwhile at home, they’ll face high-flying Motherwell – who usually relish the chance to play Rangers.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the league has a long way to go as we only sit in October (a month when leagues are never won) however, the current run of games that Celtic are about to embark upon could potential define the season as across all fronts.
These games are opportunities to get our act together after dropping 5 points from 6 in our last two away days. An on-form Celtic should see us reclaim top spot in the league, as the Rangers depth will be tested as they face tougher games and more away fixtures after a remarkably easy stat to their fixture list this season with 5 home games from 8, exactly the opposite of Celtic.
The league has a long way to go, but the team that can balance league football, cup football and European football will fancy their chances in May. And by the end of the season the Neil Lennon will be the one smiling and holding aloft the trophy once again.
A view from Gary67, a well-known member on Celtic Noise…As it currently stands we will have 13 league games before the winter break (12 if we get to Betfred final) whilst they have 12 games (11 if they get to the Betfred final).
Of our 13 games we have 8 at home and away games at Aberdeen, Hearts, Ross Co, St Mirren and St Johnstone (if we lose semi final). Their 8 away games are at Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Motherwell, Livingston, Ross County and Hamilton.
Once we reach the end of December we will see how much of a title race we have this season.
And Brimcbhoy added…Our home games, hell ALL our games are important now. If anything we are being asked the question right now, we know competition is good so hopefully a decent challenge in the league should improve us. It’s up to the players, and management, to step up to the mark, lets see what they’re made of.
Strap yourselves in folks, things are going to start getting exciting again from next weekend and will stay that way right up until they come to Celtic Park at the end of December.
