Scottish Cup Semi Final, Celtic v St Mirren, Sunday 19th April, Hampden Park 2pm

[Gary67]

Live on Premier Sports

Ref - Matthew McDiarmid VAR - Kevin Clancy

A game we should be looking forward to and being confident of a comfortable win and a return trip to Hampden in May for the Final. Unfortunately a defeat wouldn't be a surprise and given the game between the teams on Saturday probably a 50/50.
I've no doubt MON will make minimal changes, if any. Maybe Engels into the midfield to give the energy he thought was lacking on Saturday but that will be it. Ralston & Scales will continue to struggle with basic passing, McGregor will play even through he is injured, Nygren will be the invisible man as usual (but still our only regular goal threat) and due to Iheanacho not being able to play more than half an hour or so it'll be Čvančara or Maeda through the middle.

Like many on here I would like to see a change in shape to 3 at the back but that won't happen so if its going to be the usual 433 then he should at least change the personnel and try and find a formula that isn't an assault on the eyes.

Sinisalo
KT Arthus Trusty Saracchi
Engels Chamberlain Hatate
Nygren Maeda Yang

Doohan Ralston Scales Iheanacho Čvančara Forrest Tounekti McCowan McGregor all on the bench if required

A grind, probably go to extra time but think we may scrape a 2-1

 

[The Shamrock]

Another one that I'm hoping we scrape a win but even that isn't a given with this squad.

 

[Magnificent 7]

Live on Premier Sports

Ref - Matthew McDiarmid VAR - Chris Graham

A game we should be looking forward to and being confident of a comfortable win and a return trip to Hampden in May for the Final. Unfortunately a defeat wouldn't be a surprise and given the game between the teams on Saturday probably a 50/50.
I've no doubt MON will make minimal changes, if any. Maybe Engels into the midfield to give the energy he thought was lacking on Saturday but that will be it. Ralston & Scales will continue to struggle with basic passing, McGregor will play even through he is injured, Nygren will be the invisible man as usual (but still our only regular goal threat) and due to Iheanacho not being able to play more than half an hour or so it'll be Čvančara or Maeda through the middle.

Like many on here I would like to see a change in shape to 3 at the back but that won't happen so if its going to be the usual 433 then he should at least change the personnel and try and find a formula that isn't an assault on the eyes.

Sinisalo
KT Arthus Trusty Saracchi
Engels Chamberlain Hatate
Nygren Maeda Yang

Doohan Ralston Scales Iheanacho Čvančara Forrest Tounekti McCowan McGregor all on the bench if required

A grind, probably go to extra time but think we may scrape a 2-1

The case for Nygren starting in midfield because he offers goals is no longer valid Gaz.
He has actually only scored 1 goal in his last 10 games and offers nothing else in defence press or creativity so he is a man down.

Looks like Martin has us playing in a contained way that makes us hard to beat rather than a Celtic team that dominates as he realises the quality is just not there. We seemed to be content to hold onto a 1 nil rather than go after a winner as there is next to nothing up top.

You could have swapped the Jerseys over on Saturday as the roles of controlled possession was reversed.

Anything is possible on Sunday but again its just about getting over the line.
I expect much the same as Saturday so it will be tight either way.

 

[Imatim]

One thing is for certain. We can’t play like we did last Saturday and expect to win. Lessons have to be learned,

We’re not likely to change the setup, so we have to change the personnel, and our approach, and attitude to the game. Hopefully the team selection reflects this need.

It’s been said, Maloney and Callum have the biggest influence when it comes to picking the starting line up. Martin being more the guiding light and the motivator. This might explain the rigid 4-3-3 setup we tend to play, as that’s been the way of things that they’re used to.

To the starting line up…Ihaenacho has to start for me. He needs the minutes to get his fitness up for the run in. Play him until he runs out of steam. The ball sticks up top with him, and we need his physicality. We tend to create chances early and generally fail to take them. So better to have a finisher like him up front, and take our chances early to help us control the game.

Hatate to start. Big game, big stage. Made for the real Reo to turn up (hopefully)

Engels to start as he gives us more mobility. Replace him when he gets tired.

Callum is obviously carrying a knock and should only be used if needed.

Saracchi for KT. Rest Kieran, unless we intend to play them both on the left hand side, which there’s not much chance in happening.

Nygren is a man down in a midfield three for me, and isn’t really suited as a wide player in the rigid 4-3-3 we play. He’s better suited as a 10. Off the bench as an impact sub later in the game.

The starting line up with little chance of it being right…


……………………………………..…Sinsalo…………………………………………….

Ralston…………..…..Trusty…………………………..Scales…………………….Saracchi


……………….Engels………………….Ox…………………………Hatate………………..


Yang………………………………….Ihaenacho……………………………………...Maeda……..

 

[DILLIGAF]

The MIBs for the semi final

 

[Mancbhoy670]

The MIBs for the semi final View attachment 30199

I really hate to say this but if we don't change the shape and personnel then this game is one we may lose. If we continue with the same team/shape then the saints might just get that wee bit of luck that can win the game. Sometimes you need to be ruthless as a manager, the team,the system,christ even the strip non of these are set in stone, lot's of people have been urging change, why won't Mon take a chance to influence the outcome of the game. Is the lack of fan media at press briefings meaning no one will ask the question We know that the majority of the smsm is pro-ibrox/Tyne castle ,and won't challenge the set up as they don't want to aid us in any way possible. Internally the current team mgt is stuck in the same rut nothing new, no fresh ideas,plan B is just do plan A better.
I know that as supporters we don't have a history of success in football mgmt but we can see when something is not working. HH

 

[50 Shades of Green]

Tickets starting to appear on the app now folks...make sure you have the latest version of the app to get your tickets..

 

[Gary67]

In our last 5 games against St Mirren we have only scored 1 goal in each game

 

[Mancbhoy670]

In our last 5 games against St Mirren we have only scored 1 goal in each game

This is a worrying stat, don't know how many we've conceded, but it shows the real need try something different up-front, Maeda through the middle, Touneckti on the left,Jamesie on the right Scratchie at LB arne,reo and the ox in the middle, Arthur trusty scales the other 3 at the back, this still leaves us with a bench with a bit of talent on it. I would love to see a change of system but if 433, above is my selection. Not exactly looking forward to this one HH

 

[Imatim]

Having a wee think on things, and with the belief we need to be less predictable against a team who think they know exactly how we will line up, and will set their stall out accordingly. I reckon we should start with James Forrest on Sunday.

He’s another one who needs the minutes for the run in, and his big game experience could be invaluable.

Starting for us, I think he would bring a different dimension to our game which we are crying out for. He is direct, he protects the ball well, and his link up play is generally good. I’d bring on Yang later on to use his pace to run at them when they tire, and the game opens up more.

Yes? No? Something different?…

 

[Gary67]

This is a worrying stat, don't know how many we've conceded, but it shows the real need try something different up-front, Maeda through the middle, Touneckti on the left,Jamesie on the right Scratchie at LB arne,reo and the ox in the middle, Arthur trusty scales the other 3 at the back, this still leaves us with a bench with a bit of talent on it. I would love to see a change of system but if 433, above is my selection. Not exactly looking forward to this one HH

We've conceded 4. Last 5 results were 1-1, 1-0, 1-0, 1-3, 1-0

 

[Mancbhoy670]

We've conceded 4. Last 5 results were 1-1, 1-0, 1-0, 1-3, 1-0

Cheers for that

 

[Gary67]

Having a wee think on things, and with the belief we need to be less predictable against a team who think they know exactly how we will line up, and will set their stall out accordingly. I reckon we should start with James Forrest on Sunday.

He’s another one who needs the minutes for the run in, and his big game experience could be invaluable.

Starting for us, I think he would bring a different dimension to our game which we are crying out for. He is direct, he protects the ball well, and his link up play is generally good. I’d bring on Yang later on to use his pace to run at them when they tire, and the game opens up more.

Yes? No? Something different?…

Forrest on the right, Yang on the left (his best/preferred position) and Maeda through the middle (if Iheanacho isn't fit enough to start) would be an option

 

[Espiritosanto]

Having a wee think on things, and with the belief we need to be less predictable against a team who think they know exactly how we will line up, and will set their stall out accordingly. I reckon we should start with James Forrest on Sunday.

He’s another one who needs the minutes for the run in, and his big game experience could be invaluable.

Starting for us, I think he would bring a different dimension to our game which we are crying out for. He is direct, he protects the ball well, and his link up play is generally good. I’d bring on Yang later on to use his pace to run at them when they tire, and the game opens up more.

Yes? No? Something different?…

It’s pretty obvious that mcgregors carrying a injury of some sort..so when we go with him and Marty hopkirk and one other in midfield we’re really two men down…can’t start with Marty hopkirk he’s too indisciplined….a would go.ox,hatate McGregor Engles,,forest maeda.yang…scratchie,scales,trusty,teirney….

 

[Espiritosanto]

Forrest on the right, Yang on the left (his best/preferred position) and Maeda through the middle (if Iheanacho isn't fit enough to start) would be an option

Am no copying your homework Gary…genuinely didn’t see it…but yes a would go with that front three….yangs the only one in the squad that has any urgency….

 

[AllyBhoy]

Oh how I hark for the old days.Been watching you tube videos of Celtic 1970s. Goals scoreses a plenty .Dalgliesh Wilson lennox Jinky Glavin tom McAdam wonderful memories. And I look at our team now, God they could not lace their boots.What a fall down from grace,we have become an ordinary football who is staring into the abyss. If we do not win this league then I feel very afraid of the years too come. Complete and utter change is required from top to bottom. Change of ownership complete change of squad , now that in itself needs more money than the present board can deliver. DD and the board must sell their shares this summer, if not we then not only look into the abyss we then become that abyss.

 

[Magnificent 7]

Having a wee think on things, and with the belief we need to be less predictable against a team who think they know exactly how we will line up, and will set their stall out accordingly. I reckon we should start with James Forrest on Sunday.

He’s another one who needs the minutes for the run in, and his big game experience could be invaluable.

Starting for us, I think he would bring a different dimension to our game which we are crying out for. He is direct, he protects the ball well, and his link up play is generally good. I’d bring on Yang later on to use his pace to run at them when they tire, and the game opens up more.

Yes? No? Something different?…

100% yes ....I've been calling for Jamesy and Scratchy to start for weeks.

 

[Mancbhoy670]

100% yes ....I've been calling for Jamesy and Scratchy to start for weeks.

I hate to sound like a broken record,but I have read what the Saints boss has said about the game on Sunday,he states that he knows what Celtic will be doing with maybe a little tweak, surely this is the sign that we must change our system and try to impose our game over theirs. I'm not being condescending when I say that he's not Pep Guardiola and at the cup final he watched from the stand and relayed info to the sidelines,we change shape and we could be 2 or 3 up by halftime and maybe just improve our chances of a double.HH

 

[Magnificent 7]

I hate to sound like a broken record,but I have read what the Saints boss has said about the game on Sunday,he states that he knows what Celtic will be doing with maybe a little tweak, surely this is the sign that we must change our system and try to impose our game over theirs. I'm not being condescending when I say that he's not Pep Guardiola and at the cup final he watched from the stand and relayed info to the sidelines,we change shape and we could be 2 or 3 up by halftime and maybe just improve our chances of a double.HH

Maybe Calmac has too much of a say in formation. He shouldnt but we have heard it mentioned.
Dont forget wee Shaun turned Hibs into a play safe containment side and given Martin has just moved back into Managing a side after being out of the game for so long he maybe thinks they know better about the modern game and formations.
But then again Brendan played more or less exactly the same way.

 

[Winter]

Must remember this is a cup semi at Hampden the objective is to win at all costs first and foremost but theres an opportunity to make others stop and think for a minute if we can dismantle this St Mirren side. We all know if our bhoys play to the standards they've reached not often enough admittedly this season even we should have more than enough.
Theyre no mugs but Hampden is our second home so to speak.

Despite not hitting top form of late it takes one result , one good performance to galvanise the belief in this team.
I think we'll do just that , we have many big game players who turn up for these games, im believing we'll score 3 hopefully a clean sheet the open spaces should help us.