Can Celtic Survive This Crucial Fortnight After Exiting Europe?

Celtic faces a pivotal fortnight in their season, with six of their next seven matches away from home, marking a crucial stretch as they strive to defend their league title and secure a spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Starting with a key clash against Rangers at Ibrox, the pressure is on the team to deliver results that could either propel them forward or lead to a trophyless campaign.

Last updated: 14 March 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Celtic enters a critical phase of their season, with a series of challenging fixtures that could define their chances for silverware. They currently trail Rangers by two points in the league, having played one game fewer. The upcoming matches against Rangers, Aberdeen, and Motherwell will test the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

Key takeaways

• Celtic's next seven matches include six away games, starting with a crucial league match against Rangers.
• The team is aiming to regain confidence after a disappointing Europa League exit.
• Key players like Viljami Sinisalo are stepping up, potentially changing the dynamics of the squad.

Timeline: how we got here

The current situation for Celtic can be traced back through several significant milestones:

• September 2023: Celtic last won at Ibrox, which has been a challenging venue for them.
• 4 March 2024: Celtic faced Stuttgart in the Europa League, resulting in a 1-0 victory but an overall 4-1 aggregate loss.
• 14 March 2024: Celtic's immediate future hinges on upcoming league and cup matches.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Celtic's recent victory over Stuttgart, although ultimately meaningless for their Europa League ambitions, has provided a morale boost. Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo's standout performance has prompted discussions about his starting role in the upcoming crucial matches.

What was already established

The team has struggled with consistency this season, particularly in defence, often conceding more than one goal per game. Their performance at Ibrox has been particularly poor, with no wins in their last four attempts there.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For Celtic fans and households in Glasgow, the outcome of these matches will influence not just sporting pride but also economic factors related to local businesses that thrive on match day footfall.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses will be watching closely, as successful performances can lead to increased patronage on match days, particularly in hospitality and retail sectors around Celtic Park and Ibrox.

Policy and regulation

There are no immediate regulatory changes affecting the league, but the performance of Celtic could impact community engagement and support for local initiatives associated with the club.

Numbers that matter

• Celtic has not won at Ibrox in their last four league matches since September 2023.
• They currently sit two points behind Rangers but have played one game fewer.
• Six of the next seven matches for Celtic are away from home, a significant challenge in the closing weeks of the season.
• The club made eight changes in their recent match, showing depth in the squad.
• Viljami Sinisalo made six saves in his last match, earning praise for his performance.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Europa League: A European football competition for clubs that do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
• Ibrox: The home stadium of Rangers Football Club, located in Glasgow.
• Scottish Cup: The main knockout cup competition in Scottish football.
• Clean sheet: A game where the goalkeeper and defence do not concede any goals.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Celtic will need to focus on tactical adjustments as they face key matches against Rangers, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. The immediate goal should be to secure vital points in the league.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the team must build momentum and confidence, aiming to solidify their position in both league and cup competitions.

Signals to watch

• Performance metrics such as goals scored and conceded in upcoming matches.
• Player injuries and fitness, particularly in key positions like goalkeeper and defence.
• Fan engagement and attendance figures at away matches.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support the team despite past performances; every match is a fresh opportunity.
• Pay attention to squad rotations and player form, as these can impact match outcomes.

Don’t

• Underestimate the importance of the upcoming fixtures; they can shift the entire season's narrative.
• Overreact to a single match result; focus on the bigger picture over the next few weeks.

Checklist

• Review upcoming fixtures and plan match-day attendance.
• Stay updated on player fitness and team news.
• Engage with community and fan initiatives to show support.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The unpredictability of football means that while Celtic has a chance to turn their season around, the pressure of away matches and the form of rivals like Rangers and Hearts could complicate their quest for success. Any significant injuries to key players could also derail their plans.

Bottom line

Celtic's upcoming matches are crucial for their ambitions this season, with the potential for both triumph and disappointment. They must navigate these fixtures carefully to maintain their title challenge and seek cup success.

FAQs

What are Celtic's upcoming fixtures?

Celtic's next matches include a league match against Rangers, a trip to Aberdeen, and a Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers.

What does a clean sheet mean in football?

A clean sheet refers to a match where a team does not concede any goals, which is crucial for building confidence in defence.

How important is the match against Rangers?

The match against Rangers is pivotal, as it could determine Celtic's position in the league and impact their morale going forward.