In tight matches the ability to create chances under pressure is key. With the Derby approaching, which squad has the most creative threat? This chart is a hybrid of xA data taken from Opta/FotMob and Key Chances data from Statsbomb. Both are per 90m. I’ve included all full backs, midfielders, wingers and strikers likely to … [continue reading]
Player Performance
Striking Form At The Right Time
It seems Furuhashi is back in contention and near to full fitness if not match sharpness. In all matches, Maeda has 0.52 goals per 90m and Giakoumakis 0.85. Both are close to their respective xG and both scored in the recent win over Ross County. Based on fitness alone, I would be surprised if Furuhashi … [continue reading]
The Masked Destroyer
On the latest Huddle Breakdown podcast (please subscribe), @celtic_martin asked a seemingly flippant question “Statistically, is McGregor better with or without the mask?”. Now, while the wearing of the mask may, in our heads, bestow magical super powers (“What!!!!! It’s Callum McGregor under that mask, I thought it was you, Masked Destroyer?”), the prosaic reality … [continue reading]
Hatate, O’Riley, Rogic, Turnbull. Who do you pick?
If all four of Hatate, O’Riley, Rogic and Turnbull are fit, which two do you pair with McGregor to form the midfield three for the next match? Defending Let’s start with the dirty stuff. Midfield is an allrounders game. Even the attacking midfielders have to press and compete in Postecoglou’s system. The framework I use … [continue reading]
Unpacking a Taylor Mystery
There was a nice piece of analysis by @BhoysAnalytics which you can find here highlighting how Taylor’s passing was becoming more expansive and a good working relationship with Maeda forming. Taylor has always been arguably the most creative full back in the squad over the last two seasons. I highlighted this on the Celtic Way … [continue reading]
Front Three for Ibrox?
The match against Ross County was difficult to draw conclusions from given the early sending off. Also, with the score already being 3-0, the very one-sided nature of the contest allied to the fact Celtic were happy to see out the game and the Staggies content not to get totally hammered. However, the front three … [continue reading]
The One Touch Wonder
Another hattrick, and now 12 goals in the equivalent of 12.84 completed 90 minutes. Giakoumakis has come along way since that penalty miss at home to Livingston. Thoughts maybe turn to “how can he be dropped even if Furuhashi is fit?”. That is a question for another day, for now let’s enjoy a sparkling start … [continue reading]
Blimey O’Riley: A Stunning Debut, By Numbers
I hope you know I try and be measured at all times. But sometimes a debut is so eye catching I can’t help but be very excited. The 900-minute rule for player evaluation still stands, by the way! So was it as Matt O’Riley was thrown into the hot furnace atmosphere of a bitter, seething … [continue reading]
The Art of the Finisher
By Stephen McGeoch The discrepancy between the expected and actual goals is certainly remarkable. With 20 games played, Celtic have scored 40 non-penalty goals in the SPFL this season. That’s 2.0 goals per match against an estimate of 2.8 goals. It feels like a lot, especially since it’s from a fairly large – 438 – … [continue reading]
Turnbull’s Passing Range
As Celtic’s winter break training resumes, amidst the many new faces, it is missing ones that may cause concern. David Turnbull came into Celtic on the back of a long recovery from serious knee injury. Not until December 2020, and a standout performance in defeating soon-to-be French Champions OSC Lille, did he cement a place … [continue reading]