Celtic and the Champions League [R]

[frasermc]

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Manchester United
Villarreal
Celtic
Aab Aalborg


Matchday dates

Matchday 1: Wednesday 17th Spetember

Manchester Utd - Villarreal
Celtic - Aab

Matchday 2: Tuesday 30th September

Aab - Manchester Utd
Villarreal - Celtic

Matchday 3: Tuesday 21st October

Villarreal - Aab
Manchester Utd - Celtic

Matchday 4: Wednesday 5th November

Aab - Villarreal
Celtic - Manchester Utd

Matchday 5: Tuesday 25th November

Villarreal - Manchester Utd
Aab - Celtic

Matchday 6: Wednesday 10th December

Manchester Utd - Aab
Celtic - Villarreal


a good start for us with a home game against the weakest team in the group. then we have two hard games on the road. it would be terrific if we could pick up any sort of points from any of those matches. the last half is better for us with Man Utd at home followed by Aalborg away, which is a game we really need to be winning.

if it comes down to the last matchday between us and Villarreal then i'm more than happy to have them at home for that occasion.


our managers reaction to the draw -

“We don’t mess about at Celtic – we're in the competition so we might as well play the holders of the Champions League,” he said.

“Last year, we drew AC Milan who were holders and then faced Barcelona in the last 16. We don’t mess about at this club.

“I had a funny feeling that we would get Man United. I was down south earlier in the week and I took in their game against Portsmouth. I just had a wee feeling when I was watching that game, so I suppose I got my scouting in early.”

“Villarreal’s reputation goes before them now,” he said. “They are one of those teams where people say, ‘Hey, we don’t know much about their history, but that doesn’t matter’.

“They are a first-class side. Sometimes you can meet teams with a lot of history, but who aren’t up to much at present. Villarreal are making their own history now. They are a top side.”

“We know all about Manchester United and Villarreal, but Aalborg will be a good side, that's for sure. We played Copenhagen a few years back and we saw how good they were. If they can finish above them in the Danish league, Aalborg must be a good side.

“It’s exciting. It’s another challenge for this group of players and it’s one we relish. It’s good that the supporters will get to see a few new teams this season and my sister will be happy because her family will have a few new destinations to visit.”


hopefully we can see some more magic like this -


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i'll be getting my tickets tomorrow.


with our home record we always have a chance -


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Fortress Parkhead

[geemoneyb3]

Pleased with the draw. I think we can get the same results as we did with United two seasons ago, but at least a point wouldn't be too bad.

I'm glad you pointed out the final home game. The importance of it can't be overstated, its simply massive. Looking forward to the campaign, I love the Champions League, hopefully this will be the launching pad to our last eight run...

Its also good to see wee Shaun in those vids from two seasons ago, he will definitley be a big boost for us.

[frasermc]

I'm glad you pointed out the final home game. The importance of it can't be overstated, its simply massive. Looking forward to the campaign, I love the Champions League, hopefully this will be the launching pad to our last eight run...

yep. it could well be a very big game but i have a feeling we may get some joy on our travels this year. it would seem that GS is looking for a 4-5-1 away from home with Aiden and Shaun out wide and Naka as the advanced midfielder with two holding midfielders behind. i can see Crosas seeing plenty of CL time as we try to gain more possession and more of a foothold in matches, especially away games.


Its also good to see wee Shaun in those vids from two seasons ago, he will definitley be a big boost for us.

he definitely has the ability to open up tough defenses and hopefully he'll continue the fine form he showed in his SPL comeback game.

[HoopsBhoyInNC]

Any chance of them playing any on ESPN or any American channel? :(

[Borussia]

if it comes down to the last matchday between us and Villarreal then i'm more than happy to have them at home for that occasion.


Agree.

Damn, I'm so releaved we didn't get the Real/Juve group! :-)

[celtic76]

Any chance of them playing any on ESPN or any American channel? :(

The games against ManU will most likly be on EPSN here in the states like the last time we met up. The rest not a chance unfortuntatly.

[BoysInGreen]

You'll probably be able to watch all (or at least most) champions league games live online at:

www.justin.tv

Go to the website on the matchday, at game time, click on sports.. and sort through all the streams.

I only tried it this past Tuesday and I opened two internet explorer windows and watched the Barcelona/Warsaw and the Juventus/Artmedia matches at the same time, both live.

You don't have to download or sign up for anything (maybe just register, but not even sure if you have to do that). Hope it works out for you all. CMON CELTIC!!!! :D

[Gaboo]

Agree.

Damn, I'm so releaved we didn't get the Real/Juve group! :-)

Agreed!

The group is okay...I´m excited to see, how Celtic starts into the competition!

[Dills]

You'll probably be able to watch all (or at least most) champions league games live online at:

www.justin.tv

Go to the website on the matchday, at game time, click on sports.. and sort through all the streams.

I only tried it this past Tuesday and I opened two internet explorer windows and watched the Barcelona/Warsaw and the Juventus/Artmedia matches at the same time, both live.

You don't have to download or sign up for anything (maybe just register, but not even sure if you have to do that). Hope it works out for you all. CMON CELTIC!!!! :D
and there's even the option of having a small pop-out window, you know, for clandestine viewing if you're at work or something.

:p

[el_urchinio]

and there's even the option of having a small pop-out window, you know, for clandestine viewing if you're at work or something.

:p

Just make sure that when the Hoops score and you jump up and down at your desk while pumping your fist in the air, you quickly tell your boss that you're really happy about the sales figures for the week.

[Borussia]

Am I the only one who believes in another glorious home win over ManU? :cool:;)

[luciusmagister]

Am I the only one who believes in another glorious home win over ManU? :cool:;)I've never celebrated so much. MAN WHO? :)
I think this is a tough draw but not mission impossible. We've done very well in CL the last few seasons but I'd like to see us step it up to the next level this season.

[frasermc]

I've never celebrated so much. MAN WHO? :)
I think this is a tough draw but not mission impossible. We've done very well in CL the last few seasons but I'd like to see us step it up to the next level this season.


http://image.wetpaint.com/image/2/oxzKOBO_xDwiJaa5bLTIKQ95400/GW400H400

;)

[Borussia]

Well, I don't wanna be pissimistic ... but I start doubting that our defence has got enough quality for going through this group.

[The Tartan Hoop]

As long as it looks like this.

Caddis----Loovens----McManus----Wilson (without anymore stupid mistakes.)

We will be fine.

[camerondocherty]

id keep hinkel in and put caddis in for wilson personally.

[HoopsBhoyInNC]

http://image.wetpaint.com/image/2/oxzKOBO_xDwiJaa5bLTIKQ95400/GW400H400

;)

ahahaha...... very nice :D

[The Tartan Hoop]

if Wilson slips up like he did against Rangers, i would as well, but i think Caddis has more pace and attacking ability (or from what i've seen Hinkel hardly attacks and sometimes plays the some what too simple passes that get intercepted all the time.)

However, i think Caddis and Wilson offer more support in attack being on the wings. Though i am still all for getting a new LB all together.

[frasermc]

i was highly encouraged by Lee Naylor's performance on returning to the first 11 against Motherwell. hopefully he can keep a consistent level of performance similar to his first season at the club. it's much better for balance to have a naturally left footed player at left back.


seeing the results tonight it just shows that there are no easy games in the CL anymore. Cluj win in the Stadio Olimpico and Bremen are held goalless at home to Anorthosis Famagusta.

we need to beat Aalborg but it won't be easy. hopefully we can come flying out the traps ala Saturday as a whirlwind opening could go a long way to sealing a first match victory for us.

[camerondocherty]

im gonna miss it as i have a game :(...im confident we can do it though, we need to take 6 pts off of aalborg TBH.