When the draw was made I was delighted when Cluj come out of the fourth pot.
In many ways that game in August was a freak result. Neil Lennon is still somewhat in denial about certain aspects of that bizarre match. Sometimes you can't see the trees not so much for the Forrest but perhaps the McGregor. Playing Calmac at left back was probably the most stupid thing Lenny will do in his time as Celtic manager.
Bain, still injured, will be replaced by Forster. That's a big upgrade. Both summer signings Jullien and Bolingoli should be trusted to start this time around and both have a great chance to show their worth to the team. Callum will be in midfield, where he belongs and he has recently started to show an upturn in his form. Not that he's ever had a poor game, just that he is becoming more influential again. I thought he was our Man of the Match at Easter Road.
Both Calmac and Broony - who gifted Cluj that penalty - will have something to prove too.
Our three main goal threats, Edoaurd, Christie and Forrest all could have done no more that night and will be looking for the same again.
Elhamed and Ajer played last time and will be back on Thursday - Bauer is struggling again ironically as a result of the 'penalty' challenge at Easter Road. One of the ones you missed Mr Clancy.
The interesting position is wide left there are loads of options and
1. Play Forrest there to accommodate Ntcham in the team (Christie - Ntcham - Forrest)
2. Play Mohammed Elyounoussi who has impressed in training, less so in the games he's started.
3. Play Mikey Johnston who should be ready after recovering from the groin strain incurred on Beautiful Sunday.
4. Play Scotty Sinclair who has done well from the bench the last two games.
5. Play today's Birthday Bhoy Lewis Morgan, who got an outing against Thistle last week, worked very hard but nothing really seemed to work for him on the night.
Neil Lennon is probably thinking these options through at the moment. As a wild guess, I reckon he'll opt for option 4.
So I am expecting the team to look like this
Forster
Elhamed, Ajer, Jullien, Bolingoli
Brown, McGregor
Forrest, Christie, Sinclair
Edouard.
Prediction, same as the last time for us (3) but big Fraser to erect the Wall, so zero for Cluj....hopefully the Lazio v Rennes game is drawn.
Thoughts?
In many ways that game in August was a freak result. Neil Lennon is still somewhat in denial about certain aspects of that bizarre match. Sometimes you can't see the trees not so much for the Forrest but perhaps the McGregor. Playing Calmac at left back was probably the most stupid thing Lenny will do in his time as Celtic manager.
Bain, still injured, will be replaced by Forster. That's a big upgrade. Both summer signings Jullien and Bolingoli should be trusted to start this time around and both have a great chance to show their worth to the team. Callum will be in midfield, where he belongs and he has recently started to show an upturn in his form. Not that he's ever had a poor game, just that he is becoming more influential again. I thought he was our Man of the Match at Easter Road.
Both Calmac and Broony - who gifted Cluj that penalty - will have something to prove too.
Our three main goal threats, Edoaurd, Christie and Forrest all could have done no more that night and will be looking for the same again.
Elhamed and Ajer played last time and will be back on Thursday - Bauer is struggling again ironically as a result of the 'penalty' challenge at Easter Road. One of the ones you missed Mr Clancy.
The interesting position is wide left there are loads of options and
1. Play Forrest there to accommodate Ntcham in the team (Christie - Ntcham - Forrest)
2. Play Mohammed Elyounoussi who has impressed in training, less so in the games he's started.
3. Play Mikey Johnston who should be ready after recovering from the groin strain incurred on Beautiful Sunday.
4. Play Scotty Sinclair who has done well from the bench the last two games.
5. Play today's Birthday Bhoy Lewis Morgan, who got an outing against Thistle last week, worked very hard but nothing really seemed to work for him on the night.
Neil Lennon is probably thinking these options through at the moment. As a wild guess, I reckon he'll opt for option 4.
So I am expecting the team to look like this
Forster
Elhamed, Ajer, Jullien, Bolingoli
Brown, McGregor
Forrest, Christie, Sinclair
Edouard.
Prediction, same as the last time for us (3) but big Fraser to erect the Wall, so zero for Cluj....hopefully the Lazio v Rennes game is drawn.
Thoughts?