Prematch with A Celtic State of Mind – Can Celtic avoid a European hangover at Pittodrie?

KEVIN GRAHAM:

The time from the final whistle on Thursday night to kick-off on Sunday will be approximately 60 hours. During that time, Celtic will need to do some recovery work, travel to Aberdeen, and do tactical analysis to try and channel their emotions into what is in-front of them and not behind them. This is a difficult task and one where the management team will earn their wages.

We lost against Livingston after our last European game and we can’t kid ourselves on any longer – we have a decent rival for the title this season. While dropping points 10 games in isn’t the end of the world it certainly will see an outpouring of rage and worry amongst some in the support.

Elyounoussi was poor against Lazio and that could be a change that Lennon may consider making… bringing in the slayer of Aberdeen that is Tom Rogic is a real possibility. Another change could be at full-back with Bauer replacing Elhamed, who seems to struggle to play two games a week.

If we drop points, we drop points. The lads deserve our support as we are still early in a transition season, but I think we will sneak a 2-1 victory with Rogic scoring.

KEVIN O’ROURKE:

After a pulsating midweek victory against Lazio, a lunchtime kick-off away at Aberdeen less than three days later is hardly a welcome fixture, but it’s one we must negotiate.

We have seen at Livingston away recently what can happen. The players can switch off after the exertions of a midweek European game, so attitudes need to be spot on from the get go.

There may be some changes to the team from Thursday night, with Rogic coming in for Christie, and Bauer replacing Elhamed who went off injured midweek.

Fatigue may be a factor, but I’d still expect us to come out on top in a tight affair with Celtic winning 2-1, Edouard with a double.

🍀 A CELTIC STATE OF MIND
⭐️ Player of the Month

ACSOM’s August and September monthly Player of the Month awards have both gone to Odsonne Edouard. Eddie is also top of the table for October with just two games to go.

It’s tight at the top…

1️⃣ Edouard
2️⃣ Jullien
3️⃣ Elyounoussi