UEFA Cup Quarter Final, Second Leg
Wednesday 14th April 2004
El Madrigal Stadium
Kick Off 8.00, Live on BBC
During last season's fantastic UEFA Cup run, Celtic were only the favourites on one ocassion - Boavista at home. All other games, Celtic were up against it, and we pulled it off in every round leading up to Seville.
Last week, we drew 1-1 with Villarreal at Celtic Park - a result which mirrored that of both Liverpool and Boavista last season. The 1-1 draw hardly sounds like a great result to take over to Spain tomorrow night, but we now know what we need to do, we must score.
Tomorrow night is the time when it will hit home how much John Hartson means to Celtic. His attacking play and goals last season helped us greatly on the Road to Seville, and there is no doubt he is a massive loss. However, the word is that Big John is back into training and will hopefully be ready to play again in a month.
Spanish friends tell me that Villarreal's performance at Celtic Park last week was the best they have seen all season. They had flair, skill and composure, but what we saw last Thursday was the best they can play. We need to stop them waltzing through the midfield like they did, this way we can concentrate on getting forward. A 0-0 draw will suit the Spaniards fine.
Liam Miller must start the game. In recent weeks he was shown us why Alex Ferguson has snapped him up for Manchester United. His attacking play is exactly what we need tomorrow night. This may mean Stephen Pearson will have to move the left-hand side, as Alan Thompson is suspended.
Chris Sutton and Jackie McNamara have declared themselves fit for the match.
We showed in Lyon and in Munich this season that we can score goals away from home. If we can cut out stupid mistakes then we will be okay.
Hopefully by tomorrow night we will be in the Semi-Finals of the UEFA Cup. We know we can do it; we have the players who can make it happen. Didier Agathe must make runs down the wing, and the defence will have to be rock solid. Henrik and Chris will do the business up-front and Neil Lennon and Stan Petrov will put in hard-working shifts.
Let's do it, Bhoys. We know we can.
Hail Hail!
Celtic-Mad Prediction: Villarreal 0-1 Celtic
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