Celtic Park plays host to its first European night this evening as Alashkert travel up to Glasgow for the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Brendan Rodgers’ side. While Paradise will surely see bigger games this season, the first one of the campaign is always special.
After a 1-4 win away out in Armenia, the Bhoys can afford to relax tonight. Barring a Ronny Deila-like collapse this evening, the SPFL giants will progress with relative ease, so Rodgers can certainly afford to relax somewhat this evening, though standards still can’t drop.
In an ideal world, Celtic get their home campaign off to a flyer. With Steven Gerrard now at the helm of their greatest rivals, it’s important the Hoops keep relentlessly pursuing total dominance in Scotland and tonight is certainly a chance to do exactly that, getting life back at home off to a good start.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the ideal scenario for Celtic tonight.
‘French Eddy’ as he’s affectionally known is in line for a big campaign. After turning his loan move from PSG into a permanent arrangement, the Frenchman is back in the goals and helped the Hoops take what is surely an unassailable lead into this fixture.
With fellow strkers Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele both unreliable due to injuries, another few goals tonight would definitely help Odsonne Edouard get ready for the start of the domestic season. A striker needs to score, so tonight is perfect.
Big things are expected of Lewis Morgan after making his Scotland debut earlier this summer and a good game tonight in front of his home crowd would surely do the former St Mirren man a world of good. Clearly a talent on the ball, the chance to run at a clearly weak defence would help Parkhead get familiar with the 21-year-old’s style of play in attacking areas.
A couple of assists certainly wouldn’t go amiss in what could be a wonderful competitive home debut.
Obviously, it’s not essential that Scott Brown plays tonight, but why wait? The Celtic skipper made it through the first leg unscathed and affording him the chance to get into shape for the season shouldn’t be sniffed at.
While complacency absolutely cannot creep in, ‘Broony’ shouldn’t be in for an all too taxing evening in front of the home crowd, so it could be an ideal chance for him to continue his preparation. He’s a big game player and ensuring safe passage into the next round will suit him down to the ground.
