Celtic manager Neil Lennon and his players have a problem at the moment – a malaise which seems to affect them in the SPL, in comparison to the performances in the Champions League. The latest evidence of this being Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Inverness. This prompted Lennon to utter the quote ‘if they want me to go – I’ll go’ after the game after he had a ‘dispute’ with a fan. However, that was said in the heat of the moment and can be forgotten about. What can’t be forgotten however was the very poor performance on the pitch, particularly in the second half. Changes have to be made for the game against Hearts on Wednesday.
Two players which should be ‘rested’ are Kris Commons and Gary Hooper. Commons, who started the season in great form has went off the boil badly in the last month, culminating in a very poor performance on Saturday, where he continued his trait of shooting almost every time he got the ball in the opposition half. He lalso missed a great chance after good work by Lassad. A feel after playing non-stop since the start of the season a rest would do him good. It’s slightly different with Gary Hooper, who had been out injured for a while before coming back against Benfica. To me he seems unfit, perhaps he was rushed back too quickly from injury, and I feel resting him until what could be a season-defining game against Spartak would be ideal.
As for who can come into the side, I feel Lassad deserves a start. He has done well in the few starting appearances he has had so far, and recently against Aberdeen and Inverness he impressed after coming off the bench. He is also a big physical player, who gives us a different option up front.
Lack of creativity in midfield is also causing a problem this season, and I feel Wednesday would be an ideal game for Dylan McGeouch to show his skills. He is the type of player who can run at defences and create, something which Celtic seem to lack often in the SPL. A player like him could be vital for the Spartak game also, as our European mindset will have to change and we will have to attack rather than try and hit on the break.
Wednesday’s game will be very difficult, Hearts as we all know are fighting for their future as a football club, and the atmosphere will be hostile as ever. However, if Neil Lennon bites the bullet and makes the changes – something he has not always done – then Celtic should be able to get the win that keeps us top of the league.
I`m not sure if either should be left out because Commons can`t be so bad again 🙂 and Hooper is still playing himself back to fitness but I agree that Lassad and McGeouch should be considered.
I thought that the players were trying to play with more urgency on Saturday but they started to wilt from as early as 30 minutes into the match. All that chasing the ball in the CL matches IS taking a toll. Just as well for the SPL though, with only a one point lead and a game in hand the top of the table is well contested.
Hearts away can be a tasty fixture!
Hooper needs games but Lenny has to sub him if its not working for the good of the team. He should have been subbed after 60 on Saturday.
I would start with Lassad and Hooper on Wed.