Bank Of Scotland SPL
Saturday 11th September 2004
Celtic Park
Kick Off 3pm
Saturday will be Matchday Five of the SPL campaign, and already, Celtic have the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top of the table. Rangers play Hearts away on Sunday and if Celtic dispose of Dundee tomorrow, their season will be hanging on the line at an early stage once again. Shame that.
International games have dominated the last week or so, yawn. Celtic's last game was the 1-0 win over Rangers at Celtic Park. Since then, the transfer deadline has been and gone, without seeing any new faces at Parkhead, the club has went through a tribunal with sacked physio Brian Scott and we've been given permission to take two Icelandic trialists under our wings for a fortnight.
We will still be on a high from the Rangers game. Seven wins over that mob in a row and to be honest, the trend doesn't look like breaking. It's alright saying, "Celtic are due a defeat," and a law of averages would suggest that Rangers might win or even draw the next one, but I can't see it. And can you honestly say you can? Didn't think so. We're flying high and things are looking good, in a domestic case anyway.
Anyway, tomorrow's opponents are Dundee. They have Chris Sutton's little brother playing up-front for them, he scored in their 4-4 draw with Hibs last week. They will play their normal Parkhead game; stick every man behind the ball, hope Celtic don't score and try to get us on the counter attack. It is what we are now calling, "The Rangers Way." Total football.
Celts have no fresh injury worries. Ross Wallace is shaking off a knock but should be okay. Chris Sutton is fit to play and so Henri Camara will probably drop to the bench. John Hartson, fresh from scoring another headed goal for Wales midweek, should partner Sutton up-front. Juninho should start the game and hopefully he'll liven the place up a wee bit.
After Dundee it's Barca, on Tuesday night. Anything other than a comfortable win tomorrow will set us up for an uncomfortable three days ahead of the game, so let's not have any doubts about sticking a few past this mob.
Come On The Hoops!
Prediction: Celtic 3-0 Dundee