Celtic Preview: Beware Tony “Baldrick” Mowbray
Add comment August 18th, 2009
Fear not, Celtic fans: manager Tony Mowbray has a cunning plan. And it’s as cunning as a fox who’s just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Oxford University.
“There is a cunning plan in place, but it if doesn’t work, it is there for you guys to beat me over the head with it afterwards.”
Following that admission, Mowbray’s “cunning plan” can only possibly refer to one thing:
A turnip, of course.
Arsene Wenger’s plans, cunning or otherwise, have been disrupted by several injuries. Whilst Abou Diaby does return, Theo Walcott doesn’t, and Bacary Sagna, Denilson, and Cesc Fabregas are all doubts. Of those it’s clear which is the biggest worry, but I’m sure the manager will do everything he can to get Cesc out there – especially in the light of his performance at the weekend.
The atmosphere will be intimidating but our players ought to have the class to cope. If you look at the actual personnel in Celtic’s side, it’s the sort of line-up you’d expect us to easily overcome in the Premier League. As Arsene puts it:
“Scotland is always a very special atmosphere, a special noise in the stands. But we have played everywhere in Europe and we can deal with that. It will be down to us and how well we play. We don’t go into this game with fear. We go with respect for Celtic, but we know it is a very important game for us and we want to come home with a positive result.”
Whilst by “a positive result” I’m sure Arsene means a win, a draw wouldn’t be a bad result either – Celtic famously don’t travel well in European competition so you’d expect us to be able to come through in the home leg.
I’m really excited: it’s a great fixture for any fan of British football.
After a brilliant start on Saturday, tonight’s a great chance to continue that momentum. Come On You Reds.
