Kasper Schmeichel makes his first Celtic appearance of the season, starting tonight’s friendly against Sporting Lisbon.
Vil Sinisalo was in goals for Saturday’s match against Estela da Amadora but in the Algarve the Dane returns to start behind a defence which also includes the return of Kieran Tierney.
Swedish internationalist Ben Nygren appears to be starting off in midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
? The Team’s in – here’s how we line up at Estádio Algarve ?
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The bench at the stadium will be overflowing with 19 names listed as Celtic substitutes.
After low key matches against Queens Park, Cork City and Estela da Amadora tonight sees the second stage of pre-season preparations get underway.
Sporting have won the Portuguese title for the last two seasons giving them the luxury of a guaranteed Champions League place.
On Saturday Celtic face another Champions League opponent when Newcastle visit Glasgow, Celtic then complete their preparations with two matches at the Como Cup.
Weak in Defence, lack ae Quality CH & Ralston just no good enuf! Cd be a PAINFULL Ngt! 🙁 🙁
From the little I have seen of Nygren, he is a starter ahead of Engels all day long.
Quick, alert, great passer, has that continental look about his play.
If this is his usual pattern of play he’s gonna be an excellent acquisition.
Half time in Lisbon…and we’re doing ok.
Our man to man play from the back to front is very impressive…but final ball has let us down again.
We’ve also missed a couple of good chances…but they have as well.
A mention for the boy Nygren…he looks more than ok.
Sporting are a decent side …with some nice footballers…and they use a switching of the ball tactic to good effect.
Going back to the screen now to see if BR is ringing the changes.
Hail hail.
Half-time and what have we learned? Idah can’t finish with his left foot. And maybe Nygren as well!
Hands up if you thought we’d win 2-0 against Sporting…..Nah…not many hands there.
Overall I thought it was a very good performance …Our one touch football from the 6 yard box up to the front was very impressive…as was the work rate to close them down.
Yes there were ” flaws “…but I ain’t going down that road…It was a smashin’ result…backed up by good football and hard work…What’s not to like.
Bring it on !!
Ha ha. Hands Up!
Any chance we’ll admit that Idah is a dud and get shot of him instead of the usual fall guys like Scales, Ralston and Yang?
Totally agree…
Yes, just get someone who will give us the £9 million back!
Nobody’s that stupid unfortunately. We’ll have to take a huge loss on him but it’s better that than keeping youngsters like Kenny from gaining game time.
Nobody’s That Stupid … ?
Enjoyed that tonight. Fairly intense and Sporting (wrong name) showed us what to prepare for in Europe as their diving was new hun typical and Ref fell for it almost every time.
Nygren overall was v/good and I’m hopeful here. Kenny’s a battler and got us the pen. from a ridiculous challenge on him. If Reo hadn’t smashed it, it was no goal. But he did and we went 1 up. I’ve been impressed with Inamura too, gets stuck in, likes to go forward (as I want us to) and very aware of where his team-mates are and, most importantly, can find them. KT apart from that wonderful delivery from the RIGHT that Adam Idah made an arse of, was awful. Decent from Murray and Scales 1st half. Aye, a wee breath of fresh air in this slow, sultry summer and I’m not on about the weather!
Think you’re selling Murray and Scales short with decent Tictoc…thought they were far better than that…Just my opinion.
Good result – But ‘‘tis only pre-season !
Not too bothered about result Clach… I just thought there were lots of positives ( some negatives ) against the Portugese champions….and it wasn’t played as a friendly…imo…cheers.