Celtic Preview

Last updated : 28 December 2006 By Firparkcorner

And that could either help or hinder us. We will not have the desperate determination of a side slipping over the precipice but we can take things calmly and hope to get what would no doubt be a historic result. Celtic, even in a dire SPL, are a decent side, their Champions League form has proven that. If we are to take anything from them we must play superbly well and carry a little slice of luck.

2-1 loss last time
But there is no reason to write us off totally. Maloney is likely to be out, as will Venegoor of Hesselink and Kenny Miller is out of favour. Their attacking options are limited and if we can stop Zurawski, who seems to score against us all the time, we might just sneak a clean sheet. If we do that we then need to set about breaking down a defence which will be patchy at best. Mark Wilson is out so Paul Telfer will stand in at right back while both Balde and Caldwell are missing in the centre meaning Darren O'Dea will be partnering Stephen McManus. It is not a certainty we'll get something but the chances will be there.

Calum Elliot will presumably play his last game for the club before he returns to Hearts so he has one last chance to make himself a hero. Scott McDonald is attracting the attention of Southend and while it is unlikely a move to Roots Hall will tempt him too much he will want to turn in a good performance. Paterson will surely come straight back into the side at left back ahead of Paul Quinn and Clarkson will be available to sit on the bench again.

If we take anything from this game we'll be doing very well but despite turning in a good performance we'll be just short of the breaks we need and we'll go down by 0-2.