Celtic Manager Neil Lennon has entrusted five members of his squad with starting roles throughout the group phase of the Champions League. Two of these players are yet to miss a single minute of action: goalkeeper Fraser Forster and defender Kelvin James Wilson. The other three fixtures in the side have been Kris Commons, Charlie Mulgrew and swiss defender Mikael Lustig.
Despite a reputation of tough defence, physicality and aggression, only one Celtic player has been shown a red card over the course of the season in all competitions. Victor Wanyama was given his marching orders in the latter stages of a triumph against HJK Helsinki back in August. The Kenyan midfielder has also been the most cautioned player with four yellow cards to his name, Mulgrew follows close behind, having seen his name go in the book on 3 occasions.
While Georgios Samaras has not been firing on all cylinders in league matches, he has proved vital as a focal point up front on Europe’s biggest stage. The Greek frontman has scored five goals in nine Champions League games this season. However, Juventus must also be aware of the goal threat posed by leading marksman Gary Hooper, who has netted 23 times in all competitions this season. The midfield duo of Commons and Wanyama have also chipped in with 10 and 8 goals respectively.
Up to now, the Scots have proved particularly threatening from dead ball situations, having registered three headed goals in the competition’s group stage. Samaras found the back of the net in Barcelona (via a significant deflection of Mascherano) and again against Benfica. Wanyama also managed to divert a Mulgrew corner into Barcelona’s net at Parkhead to hand Celtic the lead.
The Celtic shotstopper Forster also deserves special mention for his stellar performances in Group G matches, most notably in the two matches against Barcelona. The keeper may be needed to pull some more world class saves out of the bag if the Scots are to progress further in the competition.
After the relegation of Rangers last season, the Hoops have become undisputed favourties in all domestic competitions. However, in Europe, Celtic have consistently been labelled as underdogs. This tag has not stopped the Scots from producing some inspirational rearguard performances. None more so than against Barcelona in front of a full house at Celtic Park, where the hosts dug in and grinded out a 2-1 victory, despite having less than 20% possesssion.
While Lennon’s current side still have a long way to go before repeating the ‘Lisbon Lions’ glorious 1967 European Cup victory, there is no question that they have surpassed all expectations and will be looking to cause another upset in front of a Parkhead crowd packed in to the rafters.
Source: Juventus.com
- - - Updated - - -
Good info. Except Mikael Lustig is Swedish, not Swiss. And he's useless, I know him too well
Buy on AliExpress.com