Kasper Schmeichel is back in training with the Celtic team but Martin O’Neill may be keen to stick with Viljami Sinisalo as the stats show they are more likely to win with the Finland international in goal.
Schmeichel returned to training in preparation for the Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic this weekend after missing the last couple of games.
Sinisalo has been in goal the whole time since and the Hoops have looked sharper defensively, which is no surprise as the 24-year-old poses a better points per game record when between the sticks.
Should Viljami Sinisalo be the long-term replacement for Kasper Schmeichel?
Celtic have a higher points per game record with Viljami Sinisalo
There is a caveat to this in that Sinisalo has played significantly fewer games than Schmeichel.
However, due to the level of criticism Schmeichel has faced following some high-profile errors from the 39-year-old, a long-term change is needed.
With the Premier League title winner in goal, the Hoops have amassed an average of 2.14 points per game across his Celtic career.
| Points per game | Kasper Schmeichel | Viljami Sinisalo |
|---|---|---|
| SPFL appearances | 1.85 | 2.33 |
| Celtic career appearances | 2.14 | 2.22 |
His deputy, meanwhile, has an average of 2.22 points per game for the Bhoys.
Forget stats for a second, it has been clear on the eye too that the younger option has been the better one.
Schmeichel is responsible for at least nine-twelve of the points dropped in the league campaign, including the recent 2-1 defeat at home to Hibernian and the first leg of the Europa League loss against Stuttgart.
They’re all metrics which don’t work in favour of the Denmark international, and any hopes of immediately returning to the side at Ibrox should probably be parked for now.
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