[frasermc]

Celtic vs Arsenal - Champions League playoff - Winner takes all


First leg 18th or 19th August (most likely the 19th as U2 are playing Hampden on the 18th. I doubt Strathclyde police would want to have to control a 50,000 music concert and a 60,000 football match at the same time.

Venue. Here -




2nd leg most probably on the Tuesday then, which would make it the 25th August.

Venue. Here -




A tough draw for us. The toughest we could have been given. But not insurmountable. Oh no. Dinamo may have caught us cold in the first leg against them but that wont happen this time. The team looked a hell of a lot sharper in Moscow and will have played their first game in the SPL, away to Aberdeen, before Arsenal come visiting.

The atmosphere will be electric. The likes of Arshavin, Van Persie, Fabregas etc etc are a joy to watch but under TM we look, at long last, like we're returning to playing some good football ourselves. Big games will be required from everyone in hooped shirts.

I'm looking forward to it already.

Let's have some more of this -

YouTube - Fortress Parkhead (updated)

YouTube - Fortress Parkhead (updated)

Oh, and before I forget ... PL, another one or two players to strengthen the team wouldn't go amiss before the first leg.

[frasermc]

From KDS -

[WerderBremenYank]

Lets not forget that Bono won't want to miss this match .


You know, with all the talk about Arsenal going out of the top for, and not being balanced properly as a team (with the lack of central midfielders and defenders) maybe Celtic can pull a shocker here?

Granted, it would be a reallly big shocker if the Bhoys went through. I fancy our Chances in the first leg at Park Head, its just making the trip down south. Perhaps they could move the match to Wembley as we see, as we seem to have better luck there.

"If you go to London....you will see us there......"

[USBhoy]

Honestly this is the draw I was somewhat hoping for. Think about, if we upset a big player such as Arseanal, then this years CL will be worth it for me (aside from us winning it all). But I stress somewhat. My roommate from college was a huge
Arsenal supporter, so as I watched EPL games (Primarily what you get in the US) I got to know more about them, and they are scary good.

Keep in mind they lost Toure and Ads, AND Nasri and Rosicky will be out with injuries, anything is possible.

[Borussia]

Damn, how could we be so lucky to get drawn to the toughest opponent in the pot? But well, you have to take it how it comes ... so let's do what Asterix & Co. once did to the Romans!

Celtic are clear outsiders ... but as we all know, football/soccer is still a game where all is possible on certain days.

[Granted]

Before the draw I would have told you that I was scared to death of getting Arsenal, but now that its happened, I'm confident. Our bhoys can do this.

For those in the US, I don't see how FSC will show any other tie than this.

[TJF2]

Originally Posted by Granted

Before the draw I would have told you that I was scared to death of getting Arsenal, but now that its happened, I'm confident. Our bhoys can do this.

For those in the US, I don't see how FSC will show any other tie than this.

That would be great, lets hope money-hungry heads prevail!

[frasermc]

It's early days to predict starting line-ups but things are looking hopeful after the result in Moscow.


THG is looking tip top so far and always saves his best displays for European nights.

Fox looked like a genuine LB. With Hinkel on the right we actually look like having a bit of balance at long last.

Caldwell and Loovens can still look a little shaky at times and this is still an area of concern. A new CB before the first leg would be most welcome.

Maloney and McGeady have the ability to cause the Arsenal full backs problems but Aiden has been struggling for form so far. If he's firing on all cylinders he's a handful for any full back.

Landry N'Guemo will have a huge role to play as well. Only just arrived at the club but he reminds me so much of Neil Lennon, only younger and quicker. Him and Skoosh will need to get right in amongst it for the whole 180mins.

Fortune needs to have his shooting boots on. Or maybe we'll be starting with Sammi by then. There are options up front right now. Seems a little strange saying that but it is true.

[Gordon EF]

This is a pretty tasty draw. It's definitely a Scottish side's best chance of knocking out a top 4 English team in a long time. You have to fancy Arsenal but Celtic should be more than capable of going through if they play well enough.

[The Tartan Hoop]

I actually really liked that Fortress parkhead video, not just because am a Celtic fan but it was actually made really well, would be cool for any team actually hah!

As for this, I actually predicted that we would end up drawing Arsenal, I just had that feeling. Arsenal are kinda one of my favourites also, I'm a BIG fan of Fab and Van Persie, Wilkshire is also amazing at 17.

This will be a good tie, I think if we are fit and gel together. Brown and N'guemo in the middle, am hoping a fit and up for it pairing ofm Maloney and Aiden on the wings (or Koki for pace)

The worry is our back line, so far Loovens and Caldwell in the middle looks good and the Full Backs seem to be having their moment (keep in Fox he looks like he could play the part)

If we can Gel and hold strong, play WISE then we will give any team a good game. This, I am hoping, will be good match even if we lose, I just don't want a thumping.