Take Care of Business: Caley Preview

After Rangers defeating Dundee United today, Celtic will have to travel up north on Sunday on short rest to take on Inverness Caley Thistle to keep the lead in the SPL to 4 points. While Caley is in currently in the relegation zone, trips to Caledonian Stadium have always been tricky for Celtic and this weekend’s is sure to be no exception. For some reason, Celtic always seem to play close games or leave it up to the last minute against Caley and dropping points this weekend is not an option. Celtic need to maintain a big as possible lead before the next SPL encounter against Rangers in two weeks. Caley will also be buoyed by new manager Terry Butcher and will want to impress the new gaffer. Celtic might come into the match a little winded perhaps, after the epic 11-10 penalty defeat of Dundee United in the CIS Cup semi-final, but hopefully will not be missing anyone due to injury from that match. Captain Stephen McManus has been training after missing the cup match due to knee inflammation. Glenn Loovens is also nursing some injuries, but apparently it is nothing that will keep him out of the squad for Sunday. It is about time for Celtic to show a dominating performance against Caley. Celtic fans remember too many close calls up north and a team coming off qualifying for a cup final will be ready to play and score some goals early. My prediction is 3-0 to Celtic.

Finally, oft injured striker Chris Killen has not been able to establish himself in Gordon Strachan’s first team plans. Many thought that after the Willo Flood deal, Celtic would try and secure Steven Fletcher as well from Hibs, but Hibs quickly nixed that deal. Instead, it would be former Hibs man Killen who would be in the transfer papers, as the striker has been loaned to Norwich City for the rest of the season.

TAL

Category: Celtic, Match Previews

Tags: Caley, Celtic, Chris Killen, CIS Cup Semi-Final, Glen Loovens, Hibs, Match Previews, Rangers, relegation, SPL, Stephen McManus, Transfers, Willo Flood

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