🔗 Share this article Out of Europe - Next Up, Celtic Confront a Crucial Fortnight Six of Celtic's upcoming seven games are outside of home. With the Europa League behind them, Celtic are now staring down a season-defining fortnight. By 14 March, they might be cruising in the title race with the wind at their backs and through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Or, they might find themselves further toiling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless campaign. The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a massive league encounter, with Celtic trailing Rangers by a couple of points after playing one match fewer, with Hearts six clear of the title holders. Then it is a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup last eight and then welcoming in-form and formidable Motherwell. Six of their following seven fixtures are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic group is set to be put under severe pressure after a chaotic opening months of the season. "There will be a lot of surprises and changes," commented a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they must prove themselves over the next five or six games. You have to be relentless, otherwise they will not win the trophies." Manager Faces Selection 'Conundrum' Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could yet prove significant. The manager changed eight of his starting line-up and some of the fringe players put in eye-catching performances to claim the club's first ever win in Germany. Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders excelled in a resilient performance. Murray especially made his case to start alongside Liam Scales. One magnificent block was notable and he was assured when dealing with set-pieces. But the most talked-about display was delivered by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a long-awaited shutout in six matches. The established goalkeeper has been under intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The 26-year-old was called upon and made six saves, in a display described as "perfect" by a club legend. A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday. "He had some very good saves and looked calm when he had the ball and had good anticipation," he said. "The manager has a tough call to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now." The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "plenty to consider". "[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, exceptionally. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got plenty of talent." Viljami Sinisalo staked his claim to be in the lineup against Rangers on Sunday. 'Critical' Rangers Test Awaits The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they showed they can grind out a victory. Historically, Celtic have arrived and typically sought to control possession from start to finish against every Scottish rival. But this less robust side had looked more and more susceptible this year, regularly conceding more than one goal per game. Having not won at Ibrox in four attempts and given Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a show of resilience in Germany was timely. Might Celtic take a somewhat more cautious approach? At this moment, it is solely concerning winning. "You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," noted an pundit. "You've got to work hard, be solid at the back, get a bit of luck and have a reliable shot-stopper." "Celtic have not played well this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They retain a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."
Six of Celtic's upcoming seven games are outside of home. With the Europa League behind them, Celtic are now staring down a season-defining fortnight. By 14 March, they might be cruising in the title race with the wind at their backs and through to the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Or, they might find themselves further toiling to defend their title and staring at a trophyless campaign. The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a massive league encounter, with Celtic trailing Rangers by a couple of points after playing one match fewer, with Hearts six clear of the title holders. Then it is a journey in midweek to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup last eight and then welcoming in-form and formidable Motherwell. Six of their following seven fixtures are on the road compared to Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic group is set to be put under severe pressure after a chaotic opening months of the season. "There will be a lot of surprises and changes," commented a ex-Celtic player. "I wouldn't be surprised if the league is decided on the final day. But they must prove themselves over the next five or six games. You have to be relentless, otherwise they will not win the trophies." Manager Faces Selection 'Conundrum' Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart proving moot in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could yet prove significant. The manager changed eight of his starting line-up and some of the fringe players put in eye-catching performances to claim the club's first ever win in Germany. Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after under half a minute and was a positive influence, while in the back four, several defenders excelled in a resilient performance. Murray especially made his case to start alongside Liam Scales. One magnificent block was notable and he was assured when dealing with set-pieces. But the most talked-about display was delivered by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a long-awaited shutout in six matches. The established goalkeeper has been under intense scrutiny after a series of errors. The 26-year-old was called upon and made six saves, in a display described as "perfect" by a club legend. A former Celtic goalkeeper is of the opinion Sinisalo did enough to start against Rangers on Sunday. "He had some very good saves and looked calm when he had the ball and had good anticipation," he said. "The manager has a tough call to make at the weekend. On that performance, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now." The Celtic manager conceded that a number of individuals have given him "plenty to consider". "[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, exceptionally. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager commented. "He's got plenty of talent." Viljami Sinisalo staked his claim to be in the lineup against Rangers on Sunday. 'Critical' Rangers Test Awaits The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they showed they can grind out a victory. Historically, Celtic have arrived and typically sought to control possession from start to finish against every Scottish rival. But this less robust side had looked more and more susceptible this year, regularly conceding more than one goal per game. Having not won at Ibrox in four attempts and given Rangers have won their past 10 home matches, a show of resilience in Germany was timely. Might Celtic take a somewhat more cautious approach? At this moment, it is solely concerning winning. "You don't need to have all the possession to win the game," noted an pundit. "You've got to work hard, be solid at the back, get a bit of luck and have a reliable shot-stopper." "Celtic have not played well this season, but they are hanging in there [in the league]. They retain a chance, with a game in hand. The players will take great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."