Can Celtic reach the Champions League group stages? We’re going to have a much better idea after tonight’s play-off first leg at Parkhead.
Celtic manager Ronny Deila has put his trust in his players to overcome Malmo in their crucial Champions League play-off this evening, while Malmo boss Age Hareide also sound fairly confident ahead of the tie.
After passing up on two chances to reach the group stages last season – the Hoops lost to Slovenian outfit Maribor in the play-off after being reinstated following defeat to Legia Warsaw – Deila is confident his players are ready to clear the final hurdle this time.
Only time will tell whether or not Celtic have enough to overcome their Swedish opponents but here is a quick look at everything you need to know ahead of the game.
What have the managers been saying?
Ronny Deila
“I really believe in my team. I know that when we play our system that well, it is not possible to stop us.
“We have come quite far over the past year and that is giving me a lot of confidence.
“The players read Malmo’s comments in the media themselves but, again, it’s about us. It’s not about Malmo.
“We have to do our job as well as possible and if we do that, I know we have a very good chance to win the tie. I like to do the talking on the pitch.”
“Malmo have been getting better in the last few weeks and, in their best periods, they could challenge Celtic for the title if they were playing in the Scottish league.
“But they couldn’t do it for a long time. The money and stability is much better at Celtic and we are a much bigger club than Malmo.
“If I had to choose between the Malmo squad and my squad, I would choose my squad. We are individually stronger than them.”
Age Hareide
“We are better than Celtic, better than Rosenborg. In Norway, Molde might come close but we are better. We are better than FC Copenhagen.
“The pressure comes more from the stands at Parkhead (rather) than on the pitch.
“It can be difficult to communicate with the players so we need to be alert. But I think our team is set up well for this type of game.
“I had a whole Sunday with Celtic. I saw four of their matches. It’s probably my strength, to find out tactics against different opponents. I create and check the details and I have a good picture of them now.”
“When I was watching the Kilmarnock v Celtic game last week, I was fascinated by the winger Forrest.
“He looked like a good old Scottish winger, with pace and flair. He reminds me of Willie Johnston who played at West Brom.
“He’s that type of player with quick feet. He’s more of a winger than a midfielder – he’s a throwback. Scotland always produce players with flair, who are quick and technical.
“I’ve followed Celtic from the early days, I’m that old. I remember Jimmy Johnstone and the team who won the European Cup.
“I watched the final against Inter Milan when I was young. Jimmy was a fantastic player and I remember the names – Bobby Murdoch, Bobby Lennox, Billy McNeill, then later Danny McGrain. All of them were top players of European standard back then.
“For me, Scotland have always produced very good players. When I was in England in the 80s, the Scotland team were better than the English.
“The Scots played at the World Cup’s in 74, 78 and 82. They had guys like Dalglish, Souness, Gemmill, Hartford. They’ve always produced good attacking players.
“I met Scotland twice when I was Norway manager so I know all about them. We’re practically related to the Scots!”
How will Celtic line up?
The majority of the Celtic team picks itself. We can say for sure that Craig Gordon will be the Hoops’ goalkeeper, Mikael Lustig will start at right back with Virgil van Dijk and Dedryck Boyata in the heart of the defence. Left back will most probably be Emilio Izaguirre, however, with Charlie Mulgrew returning to fitness, left back is the one defensive position which could be open to debate.
Scott Brown and Nir Biton will anchor the midfield with Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Stefan Johansen playing off the centre forward. New signing Scott Allan is also an option but is unlikely to start, while Tom Rogic has shown in recent weeks that he can also be trusted in the middle of the park.
Here we come to the biggest question, Nadir Ciftci has been Deila’s preferred centre forward so far in European ties but with Ciftci suspended for domestic matches, Leigh Griffiths has been given the nod and has scored three goals in the opening four league matches. Deila looks likely to stick with Ciftci but Griffiths has certainly given him something to think about.
What Malmo players should the Hoops watch out for?
Kári Árnason (centre half)
The defender will be a familiar face for Scottish football fans after spending a season at Aberdeen. Joined Malmo from Rotherham and after a career of flitting between central midfield and central defence, Árnason is deployed in the heart of the Malmo back four.
Oscar Lewicki (centre midfield)
The 23-year-old started his career at Malmo but his early promise secured him a move to Bayern Munich. Impressive displays for Bayern Munich II earned Lewicki the offer of a first team contract, however, he rejected the offer to stay in Germany and joined BK Häcken, after three years at Häcken he returned to Malmö who have high hopes for him on the European stage.
Jo Inge Berget (Striker)
Celtic fans will remember him as a Parkhead flop, Malmö fans speak about him in far more glowing terms.
Despite netting a double on his home debut for Celtic, his spell on loan at Parkhead from Cardiff was a huge disappointment. In quite the contrast he has scored seven goals for Malmö this season, many of those coming from the left wing.
What time does the game kick off?
Tonight’s match at Parkhead kicks off at 7.45pm.
What TV channel will be showing the game?
All Champions League matches will this season be shown on BT Sport. Tune in to BT Sport Europe to watch tonight’s game.
