Rodgers goes for six in a row and Celtic a double Treble. As in 2016/17 Celtic faces the same opponent in a second Cup Final. Motherwell have drawn twice with Celtic already this season. Here’s what we’ve learned so far. The Glossary is the sunniest spot of your Hampden experience. For a very detailed tactical … [continue reading]
Match Preview
Can Celtic Flick The Form Switch Again?
The mantra of last season was “Relentless” as Celtic stormed a treble undefeated. This season Celtic have (domestically) predominantly “Rested With The Ball”, in many games seeming to do the minimum to win. But the Cup competitions have been different. Every game a title on the line. Can Celtic flick the “Form Switch” once again … [continue reading]
The Rangers Dangers
Celtic have played their Scottish Cup semi final opponents three times this season, winning twice at Ibrox with a 0-0 at Celtic Park. Where does danger lurk for Celtic’s treble hopes on Sunday? The Glossary is like a ray of sunshine over Hampden. All the numbers below are per 90-minute averages. I compare the average … [continue reading]
Selection Dilemas
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe and healthy New Year. The final article of the year considers the selection possibilities for the final match before the Winter Break. With an 8-point lead, Celtic know a win could dee that into a double-digit lead if other results are favourable. … [continue reading]
Into The Known
When Celtic played FC Astana in the Champions League Third Qualifying Round, 1st leg in season 2016/17, it was Rodgers’ third game in charge. Every match had seen a different formation as he wrestled injuries, especially to defenders. Sinclair had not arrived and Toure was working up to match fitness. The Bhoys had struggled in … [continue reading]
Between Rock, Paper, Scissors and a Hard Place
In his excellent book, Inverting the Pyramid, Jonathan Wilson explains the evolution of football tactics. Today, there is very little new from an innovation perspective at the macro level (i.e. new formations or approaches), rather coaches try to find a) weaknesses in the opposition to exploit or b) devise ways to ensure your own better … [continue reading]
The Rangers v Celtic preview by numbers
Celtic meet The Rangers for the 6th time this season. Outscoring their opponents by 11-3, Celtic have knocked out their Glasgow rivals in two domestic Cups. Judging average performance is tricky as The Rangers are on their third manager of the season! The possession based passing game of Warburton, with a Deila-esque rigidity to 4-2-3-1 … [continue reading]
Ross County v Celtic, preview by numbers
Celtic play Ross County on Sunday for the 3rd time this season, winning 4-0 in Dingwall on 26th October, and 2-0 at Celtic Park on 28th December. In the October match in Dingwall, Celtic won 4-0 but Ross County recorded the 10th Highest xG of any opposition this season at 1.45. Craig Gordon made 3 … [continue reading]
Hearts v Celtic preview by numbers
Artificial Intelligence
Celtic start the 2017 Scottish Cup campaign against Albion Rovers at the Excelsior Stadium before a sell-out crowd. The last game against Albion Rovers was in the 1976 League Cup when Celtic won 5-0 aided by 2 assists from King Kenny Dalglish. Soccerbase provides a head-to-head search facility to retrieve historical matches between clubs. Contemporary … [continue reading]