Let’s Take a Deep Breath

By: Matt | September 19th, 2009

Alright, all together now. Deep breath in…and exhale! One more time. Deep breath in….aaaaaannnndddd exhale. How are we all feeling? A little more relaxed? Yes, things got a little crazy Thursday. We lost in an ugly way. Honestly, I think things would have been a little less crazy if we lost 4-0 rather than giving up two late goals to squander a great chance like that. People were upset. Said some things. However, today is a new day, full of glorious new opportunities. Rangers just finished their match, failing to score for the second week in a row in a 0-0 draw. Oh exploitable. Hearts are coming to town? Well, we do not like them very much. A chance to take the lead in the league against the scum of Edinburgh? That motivates me, how about you? That’s what I thought. Let’s forget about Thursday, at least for a little bit, shall we? Ok, thanks.

Now, first of all, that whole mess in the midfield. As everyone’s friend, the Microsoft paperclip, tells us, Gary Caldwell in the midfield will not work. He cannot pass, and his tackling has been suspect, especially for someone who usually plays a center-back. Was ToMo trying not to hurt either Caldwell, Stephen McManus, or Glenn Loovens feelings by playing all three Thursday? It’s time to hurt some feelings. McManus and Caldwell are both shaky out there, and I don’t think that McManus is 100% game fit, so Glenn Loovens should definitely be out there. Tony Mowbray was not too happy that Heid decided to use the day before a big European tie to say he would not sign with Celtic if they didn’t meet his financial demands, so I’d expect to see Loovens and McManus paired together to send Caldwell a message.

Georgios Samaras is doubtful after going full tilt into the cement Celtic bench on Thursday, with a gash on his knee. Of course, Marc Antoine Fortune is still unavailable with knee problems, meaning the choices for striker are rather limited. I would think that Scott McDonald will get the call to be the lone striker. I did not mind Mowbray’s 4-5-1 on Thursday, bar the fact that Gary Caldwell was the most important piece of the attack for Celtic. It’s a role he cannot fill. Celtic have two players in Barry Robson and Marc Crosas who can fill that role of tackler and someone who can make that first pass to start the attack from our end. If Mowbray goes with the 4-5-1, I really hope that they are featured instead of Caldwell.

The season is early, but this is easily the biggest game of the season so far. After the disappointment Thursday, a win was necessary for the morale of Celtic, but now there is a chance to take the lead in the league. Tony Mowbray needs to show he is not Gordon Strachan 2.0. We need to see some attacking football and a Celtic domination of Hearts would just be what the doctored ordered. Big game. KEEP THE FAITH!