Celtic F.C. are first in the Scottish Premiership. The Bhoys have finished first in back-to-back seasons since the 2020-21 campaign. However, the stakes are a little different. The league leaders are 13 points clear of their nearest opponent.
After a stunning start to the campaign the Celts look poised to run away with the title. After all, they have only a handful of games to play in the first phase. But if anything, this is football, and anything can happen.
Celtic went out of the Champions League, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich, but they were excellent over the two legs. In this article, we’ll discuss how Brendan Rodgers’ men will handle the pressure of finishing the season.
Celtic Season Overview
Celtic top the Scottish Premiership table, having won 22, drawn 3, and lost 2 of their 27 matches played. The team score 77 goals in the process and conceded 14 times. As a result, the goal difference is 63.
Their closest competitor trails by 13 points and 35 goals.
Brendan Rodgers’ squad reached the UCL Round of 32. However, their hope of qualifying was dashed after Alphonso Davis scored in the 94th minute to tie the game, allowing Bayern to qualify on aggregate. Notwithstanding, Celtic still have the Premiership and Scottish Cup to play for.
Celtic’s incredible form presents a unique opportunity for bettors. The team has scored an incredible number of goals and has a solid win-loss ratio. With this, you can wager on player props, over/under markets, or predict the outright league winner.
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Squad Depth and Player Fitness
The Celtic squad consists of 27 players. The team’s only signing from January’s transfer window is Jota, from Rennes. Due to this, Brendan Rogers has been forced to field the same side against opponents. Based on past experience, it’s only a matter of time before fatigue, injuries, and suspensions begin to affect the team’s form.
Injuries and Suspension
Paulo Bernardo was forced off early in the first half of the Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers. Medicals show he will be out for four or five weeks due to an ankle injury. Earlier, McGregor, Hatate, and Arne Engels were unavailable.
These injuries stretch Brendan Rogers’ options thin. Kasper Schmeichel’s fitness missed the fixture against Raith Rovers. The coach also rested Carter-Vickers in the same match due to the defender’s workload. Finally, Forrest has returned to training after an injury that had him using crutches.
Key Players
One of the biggest challenges every team faces towards the end of the season is injuries, and Celtic is no exception. The lack of addition to the squad further makes suspensions and injuries more prominent. Luckily, the team doesn’t have too many absentees.
In high-pressure moments, the trio of Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn, and Daizen Maeda stepped up big for the team. Furuhashi was sold in January; that has allowed Maeda and Idah to step up and assume giant roles in the side, and they have.
Likewise, the defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers have been outstanding. Nonetheless, the coaching staff must ensure players are physically and mentally fresh to maintain competitive freshness.
| Top Scorer | Kyogo Furuhashi (10) | Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn (10) | Daizen Maeda (9) |
| Top Assist | Daizen Maeda (7) | Alistair Johnson (6) | Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn (6) |
| Goals + Assists | Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn (16) | Daizen Maeda (16) | Kyogo Furuhashi (13) |
Psychological Resilience, Fan Expectations, and External Pressure
Winning a title is beyond skills. You need a robust mentality. Senior players must continue to inspire the team to remain focused. These highly experienced individuals will help the team navigate high-pressure situations.
At the same time, the Hoops may need to tweak their formations, shuffling between aggressive attacking and defensive tactics. The atmosphere around Celtic Park is always electric. Now more than ever, fans need to support their team. That said, the situation away from home is different.
In a tough environment devoid of home advantage, the team must channel their energy positively. Of course, we know that Celtic has a rich history of success. With it comes the pressure to maintain standards. The only way forward is for players to embrace the challenge rather than become overwhelmed.
Pressure Management Tips for Finishing the Season Strong
The Hoops are a strong team. Regardless, their ability to finish strong depends on several factors, including tactical adjustments and mental resilience.
- Squad rotation: Although Brendan Rodgers doesn’t have much to work with, he must manage their workload to prevent fatigue or injuries. Sports recovery techniques will also come in handy for maintaining peak fitness.
- Mental toughness: Experienced players need to step up to boost the team’s composure, especially during crucial fixtures against title rivals.
- Tactical adaptability: The coach must adjust game plans based on the opponent’s weaknesses. The combination of a solid defence and effective attack will prove valuable against opponents.
- Home advantage: The team and fans must turn the Celtic Park into a fortress. By feeding off the home crowds’ energy, the squad stands a better chance of winning home games. That said, the Celts must treat every game with the same level of importance, regardless of the opposition. Upsets from underdogs often have daunting ramifications.
- Handling media pressure: The coach must manage expectations among fans and avoid distractions from the press or social media. External narratives can mess with the team’s mindset. Together, the squad must keep morale high through team bonding and dressing-room chemistry.
Conclusion
Celtic are only three wins away from winning the first phase in their next seven matches. That is if their closest competition wins all of their seven matches. Given Celtic’s exceptional form in their last league and Champions League fixtures, it is only a matter of when. Still, one of the fun of football is the upsets. Nothing is ever set in stone. If the squad can maintain their performance, we may see them clinch their fourth successive title.
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