[Official TC Thread] UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg - Celtic v Rosenborg, 26/7/17, 7:45pm.

I watched both legs against Dundalk and I feel that Dundalk left it there. Considering they are in the middle of their season they were even poorer than I thought. I watched their recent league win against Sogndal too. They are an incredibly limited side with a Dracula in goal, they also leave huge spaces in midfield.
This should be comfortable.

 

Flat back 4 is their preference, it is essentially a 4-5-1 with the two wingers pushed on and two of the midfielders holding, neither of the holding midfielders seemed very good positionally though. In the first leg in Dundalk, McEleney, who would be Dundalk's playmaker, was given plenty of time and space. I think that is where we will exploit them.
Their centre-halves are quite slow too. I said before the draw that they would be a good one to get and I am sure of it now, having watched more of them since.

 

Can this game please hurry the * up!!

 

Often wonder why we have not brought in a back up striker,maybe Brendan is waiting to see if we lose Dembele first and then buy someone if he leaves.
If thats the case its a bit disappointing to be doing business that way.

 

I think they will sit a lot deeper tomorrow night though. Clever play around the box is what is needed, I think with Sinclair, Rogic, Armstrong and now Ntcham too, that should be enough to create a few openings. We just can't afford to be as wasteful in front of goal as we were against Linfield.

 

The goal scorers so far have all been wingers or midfielders. Sinclair with 3, Rogic with 2 and Armstrong with 1. Thats why i am not too bothered about Dembele being injured for this. We have goals all across the front line and midfield. In addition to that he didn't look fit and missed one or two very good chances.

The worry is cover at the back but we should be fine for one game. A game we should be looking to have 60-70% possession in as well so the only worry is a lapse on concentration or set pieces.

 

It was the percentage of chances that were taken is what worried me, how many sitters were missed? It goes without saying that Rosenborg are a big step up from Linfield, you can't afford to miss chances like those missed by Rogic and Sinclair in particular.
I think we will be alright in defence, they won't be coming to put us under huge pressure so we should be able to cope. If we do the business up front in the home leg then this tie will be a formality.

 

Could be both!

 

Used to post a lot elsewhere and read here, I have decided to reverse that! Seems to be better patter here!

 

Agreed. Some good post's and insight..

I also think we'll wrap this tie up by tomorrow night..

 

Anyone know of a pub in town that is DEFINITELY showing the game? McChuill's perhaps?

And before you say it i can't afford a ticket

 

I bet you said the same when Broony, Hooper and Izaguirre were missing vs Barcelona, on that glorious night.

You worry too much Prof.

 

Buzzing for this. Missed the Linfield game so delighted to be going tomorrow. We should have enough quality in the side to progress despite missing Dembs, Griffo and Erik, so hopefully put a few past them and essentially secure the tie.

 

Does McChuill's usually show games that are only televised on Celtic TV?