Champions League Qualifying 3-4th August

[ONEDUNME]

Originally Posted by HastGill1

Pretty simple summary so far, Celtic dont have the quality of players they need to play this type of game..they are trying to play a fast passing game, and they could do that, but they lack the basic skills in their midfield to control and pass the ball at speed, in short bar the half Samaras chance they have created nothing and look a poor side..

I agree in the most part. Whenever I watch Celtic I have to fight back the urge to say that Samaras is one of the worst footballers I've ever seen in my life. He traps a ball further than I can kick it.....hang on, that's not what I was going to say.....I'm saying that despite all the lack of quality and skill AND chances, you can't deny the fact that the majority of the game is being played in the Braga last third. Six corners or so? A goal is only a deflection or a wild swing or a big donkey like header (Samaras again) away and I think they will still score a goal. The danger for us backers of the win is that there comes a time in the game (75 mins or so) where you just have to realise that you're not going to qualify and you ease up.

We need a goal before the 60th minute or we're fucked I'm afraid.

And to echo earler points - this Braga team really is not a good one.

The boy from Scunny? He's played more balls backwards in the last two games he's played than he has forwards. Someone should tell him that that's not quite the idea.

[HastGill1]

Over 2.5 pretty much certain now I would say..

[HastGill1]

Did you make your bet onedunme or wait in-play? Could go either way this one, Celtic will be pouring forward but could easily get caught out..

[MickeyPaul]

The frustrating part is that Celtic are going to be knocked out once again by a poor to average side. I think a few more competitive games under their belt Celtic would have dealt with them quite easily (despite this shocking defence). Siiiiiigh.

Come on though Celts.... pride at stake.

[ONEDUNME]

My bet was on from the start mate. Braga have been the better side since Celtic scored I reckon and, as you say, the next goal is on the toss of a coin but it certainly looks like there will be one

[Kiko]

Brave men taken Celtic here - I just can't get my head around Lennon's tactics etc right now. Juarez exceptional in the middle of the park at the weekend yet they play him out wide today. Bizarre.

I saw sense in Mowbrays tactics more than I do with Lennons.

Brown and Samaras need ousted immediately - terrible players.

[HastGill1]

Celtic can get the winner, Braga have been terrible second half but then they know they're through so guess the motivation isnt really there..

[HastGill1]

[Kiko]

There it is! COME ON THE COMEBACK!!

[ONEDUNME]

Celtic's defence is woeful beyond all possible words.

Every game has to be a back of the over 2.5s until it gets sorted.

I miss the little japanese guy the most. He was the one class player they've had for the last two years.

[Kiko]

Yeah Nakamura was a class act ODM - Rarely lost the ball!

Pretty depressing viewing this when you see Braga aren't a great side at all. Only positives I can take is young Hooper looks like being a very good prospect - proper goalscorer and works his socks off. Hopefully Celtic can elevate this mans career then sell him on for a very hefty price (sadly this is how my great club have to operate now)

Juarez looks decent too - nice bursts of energy in there and he will be a decent signing.

But the likes of Maloney, Loovens, Brown and fucking Samaras need offloaded immediately - stealing a living!!

[MickeyPaul]

Aye. Their defence, including the keeper, are fucking woeful. Has been for some time.

I agree about Hooper. I think he looks a decen buy (and I like his attitude). He should score a shit load of goals this season.

[ONEDUNME]

I agree Mickey. I've just taken the 5/1 on Hooper with Skybet (each way - 3 places). If Miller is the favourite in that league then there are some pretty shit strikers.

It's about confidence and after a decent game tonight and a cool finish at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, Hooper already has the fans on his side and he's not going to be playing against any better team than he was last season for the most part. Injury aside, the boy's going to have a good season.

[MickeyPaul]

His record at Scunthorpe was very good and the teams he'll be facing this season.... I'm sure you'll agree ODM... are shit. And leading the line for Celtic... aye; he's gonna have plenty of chances. I quite fancy him to go close.

[ONEDUNME]

Originally Posted by MickeyPaul

His record at Scunthorpe was very good and the teams he'll be facing this season.... I'm sure you'll agree ODM... are shit. .

I wouldn't be so rude Mickey......but you only have to look at the fact that the three leading contenders according to the bookes are from Sunderland, Derby County and Scunthorpe and I think that tells you pretty much everything you need to know.

At least this bet will give me an interest in some of the Scottish games this coming season.