There’s a temptation to think every upcoming Celtic match is the most important one. That’s what we do as supporters in the build-up to games every week. We just love getting invested and sucked into the drama.
That’s especially true in a tight title race with Rangers, such as this one.
However, I do think there is a solid argument for this weekend being a critical moment for the Celtic team. One that they either embrace and take head-on or wilt under with a little pressure at Easter Road.
European exits are never easy to deal with. It prompts an examination of multiple tiers at the club from the players right through to the boardroom. Nobody will be unaware of that context ahead of kick-off tomorrow.
Ange Postecoglou and players such as Joe Hart and Callum McGregor have preached focus, but it’s easier said than done in a live TV match at a venue we’ve had hard times at over the last few years.
It’s definitely not going to be an easy three points.
Thankfully you wouldn’t go so far to say it’s a sink or swim moment. This squad have proven itself capable of dealing with adversity on multiple occasions this season. For the most part they’ve bounced back from disappointments.
However, another victory would be yet another statement to the rest of Scottish football that this Celtic team are the real deal when it comes to being title contenders.
It opens a six-point lead on Rangers before they kick a ball and sets the tone for the coming weeks when Celtic will find themselves playing first on the weekend consistently.
Dropped points tomorrow and the questions will begin again. Rangers are admittedly on a high after their Dortmund progression and you’d start to feel a distinct momentum shift in Glasgow, not for the first time this season.
It’s up to Ange’s team to stand up against that and show the European tie against Bodo/Glimt was a bump in the road, not something that’s left a bruise.
In other news, “I’m hoping he’s disappointed”; Ange has constructive criticism for Celtic winger Liel Abada.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
