Celtic - AC Milan (Pre-game comments)

[Goirre]

Last match of the group stage. Though we are already qualified, we don't have the first position secured. Now, whether being first or not is a benefit remains to be seen, because our chances to get a tough opposition in the second round are the same regardless whether we are first or second in our group. Besides, it doesn't matter who we get in the second round, we can take care of anyone :de3: ....anyway, a win or a draw will be enough to secure first spot...even by losing we can be first if Barca doesn't win against Shakthar. We are probably going to see something like this:


---------------- Abiatti ---------------

Pancaro - San Billy - Colocinni - Kaladze

Dhorasoo ----- Ambro ------- Serginho

---------------- Rui -----------------

-------- Crespo ---- JDT ------------


FORZA MILAN!!! :firedev:

[ilgenio]

This match is of little significance now that qualification for the last 16 is secured. If we finished first in the group, there is a likelihood of playing Bayern, Real Madrid, Man U or even Arsenal in the last 16, but if we wanna be champions of Europe again we have to beat every team thrown in our way! :stuckup:

This is the most likely team Ancelotti will play:

------------------------Abbiati--------------------------

----Pancaro-----Coloccini-----Costacurta------Kaladze----

------------Brocchi-----Ambrosini------Dhorasoo---------

------------------Rui Costa------Serginho---------------

------------------------Tomasson----------------------

Still pretty impressive to me! :stuckup:

[Ruffian]

You guys are both wrong, because JDT hasn't been called up! :D Neither has Kaladze.

From acmilan.com:

PORTIERI: Abbiati, Dida, Fiori

DIFENSORI: Cafu, Coloccini, Costacurta, Maldini, Nesta, Pancaro

CENTROCAMPISTI: Ambrosini, Brocchi, Dhorasoo, Gattuso, Kakà, Pirlo, Rui Costa, Seedorf, Serginho

ATTACCANTI: Crespo, Shevchenko

[Goirre]

ok, my bad :D .....how about this:

-------------- Abbiati ---------------

Pancaro - San Billy - Coloccini - Serginho

---- Brocchi - Ambrosini - Dhorasoo ----

---------- Rui ------ Seedorf ----------

--------------- Crespo ----------------

;)

Doesn't really matter what lineup we use, we can still beat Celtic :firedev:

[almilan]

looking forward to game, hopefully we will win group and celtic will get 3rd place and the uefa cup. i think it will be a draw. if our 2nd choice 11 can win it would be a big boost for squad morale. hope McGeady plays for Celtic. he is 18, 2 caps for Ireland. i would like to see how he gets on against the milan players.

wonder will all the celtic fans who were around before the first game come back?

[MIRZA]

I will star that match with this formation:
-----------Abbiati-------------------
Pancaro----Colloccini--Costacurta-Kaladze
---------Ambro----------------------
---Brocchi---Dhorasso-------Serginho----
-----------Rui----------------------------
------------Crespo-----------------------

[rae]

Lookin at yer psots and squad lineups I can not decide whether Serginho is defender or attacking midfield :haha:

[Warro Bantan]

This game should be a perfect opportunity to rest some of our key payers, Nesta, Sheva, Kaka, Seedorf, Maldini and Pirlo, while allowing peripheral players such as Coloccini, Brocci and Dhorasso much needed game time.

Kaka Kaladze should also be given the nod, and even with the so-called "second-string" on the pitch, we should be able to get a result from the clash with the Scots.

Celtic will be looking to win, not only for purposes of morale, but to ensure that they get a place in the UEFA Cup, so dont expect a walkover, worse, the club will be playing in front of thier passionate fans...not an easy win for us at all.

There no longer seems to be a benefit to be derived from coming first in the group, and with some 2nd place group winners looking like Arsenal, and Madrid, it seems to not matter wether we qualify first or second, though I would prefer to meet Madrid than to meet Arsenal at this point.

That said, Milan must be able to beat whomever we face in the next round, and will have 2 opportunities to do so, with the home and away legs.

I am quietly confident that we will get the result we need from Glasgow, but if we dont, I wont lose sleep over it either.

Milan 3, Celtic 2

[ACMILAN1983]

well, Warro just said everything I was about to. Not sure about what the result will be, but lets hope some players are given a key rest.

FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Giovanni]

Almilan (btw what is your real name?) is this match particularly felt in Ireland, due to the loads of Irish who support Celtic?

[Vady]

from celticfc.net :
... Speaking at this afternoon´s UEFA Champions League press conference the Celtic manager expressed several injury concerns for tomorrow night, with winger Didier Agathe and midfielder Stan Petrov among the biggest worries...
"Didier trained this morning but is pretty doubtful"...
"Stephen Pearson didn´t train at all, neither did Stilian Petrov. We will wait until the very last moment with Stilian and I think Stephen would be pretty doubtful for this one". :rollani:

:fero: FORZA MILAN :fero:

[Goirre]

Lookin at yer psots and squad lineups I can not decide whether Serginho is defender or attacking midfield :haha:
he can play in both positions, although midfield suits him better

[m1ke]

I will star that match with this formation:
-----------Abbiati-------------------
Pancaro----Colloccini--Costacurta-Kaladze
---------Ambro----------------------
---Brocchi---Dhorasso-------Serginho----
-----------Rui----------------------------
------------Crespo-----------------------
that one looks good to me, apart from kaladze. :clap:

[Giovanni]

This is my formation:

-------------Dida
-Costacurta-Nesta-Maldini--Pancaro

Brocchi----Ambrosini---Dhorasoo

----Rui Costa/Kakà--Serginho
---------Shevchenko

[maldini020]

hi guys! i think we must win this match at all costs! My line up for the game:
Abbiati
Costacurta-Coloccini-Maldini(c)-Pancaro
Brocchi-Ambrosini-Dhorasso
Rui Costa-Serginho
Crespo

[HailHenrik]

I see some of you have posted fairly weakened lineups.

Weakened without Sheva etc of course but still strong teams!

Recent media reports from the Milan manager and players seem to suggest a full strengh line-up - what do yous think of that?

Here's hoping for a good game, i've been waiting to see Celtic play Milan at CP for a LONG time now! :D

[Dil dil]

Milan eye top spot
7.12 || webmaster || $source

Source: Football Italia

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has demanded that his side win Group F by collecting a result at Celtic.

The Rossoneri are already through to the last 16 of the Champions’ League but the tactician wants to stay ahead of Barcelona.

"This is a very important away game for us," said the tactician. "We need to win the group, especially as it will give us a psychological advantage over Barcelona."

The Italian giants have a two-point lead over the Nou Camp outfit with just one group game remaining.

"My team? I could make changes to the starting XI but not necessarily in attack," added the Coach. "Whoever plays will certainly have the ability to do well.

"Celtic will make it very tough for us and with the support of their fans, I expect a physical clash."

Vice-president Adriano Galliani is also keen for his club to put in a good display in Glasgow.

"We are calm going into the game as we have no fears of being eliminated," he stated. "But this is an important test against a noble club.

"Winning the group has its advantages in the knock-out stages so we mustn’t lose on Tuesday night."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti was asked to comment on the Scudetto race between Milan and his former club Juventus.

"It is mainly a psychological battle and it will last a long time," he continued. "It is tough to say who is in better shape right now.

"This midweek European trip will do us well though as it will give us a little break fro

[Ruffian]

Recent media reports from the Milan manager and players seem to suggest a full strengh line-up - what do yous think of that?

Here's hoping for a good game, i've been waiting to see Celtic play Milan at CP for a LONG time now! :D

I think that the Milan manager and players are lying. :D But our second team is pretty good.

[Giovanni]

Hail Henrik is well informed..we'll fiedl Nesta and Maldini for sure, and Shevchenko
Our midfield back ups are all NT players
Kakà might enter in the second half, just to pay off the crowd who has spent some moneys for the tickets in order to show them The Light and a new Faith and Religion ;)

this is the line up media give as likely in Italy

-------------Dida
-Costacurta-Nesta-Maldini--Pancaro

Brocchi----Ambrosini---Dhorasoo

----Rui Costa/Kakà--Serginho
---------Shevchenko

[Jeff]

Hail Henrik is well informed..we'll fiedl Nesta and Maldini for sure, and Shevchenko
Our midfield back ups are all NT players
Kakà might enter in the second half, just to pay off the crowd who has spent some moneys for the tickets in order to show them The Light and a new Faith and Religion ;)

this is the line up media give as likely in Italy

-------------Dida
-Costacurta-Nesta-Maldini--Pancaro

Brocchi----Ambrosini---Dhorasoo

----Rui Costa/Kakà--Serginho
---------Shevchenko


Look really good.

[HailHenrik]

Hail Henrik is well informed..we'll fiedl Nesta and Maldini for sure, and Shevchenko
Our midfield back ups are all NT players
Kakà might enter in the second half, just to pay off the crowd who has spent some moneys for the tickets in order to show them The Light and a new Faith and Religion ;)

this is the line up media give as likely in Italy

-------------Dida
-Costacurta-Nesta-Maldini--Pancaro

Brocchi----Ambrosini---Dhorasoo

----Rui Costa/Kakà--Serginho
---------Shevchenko

Obviously i'd prefer to see a weaker team to give us more of a chance but i'd also be disappointed if i didn't see Maldini/Kakà/Sheva play at Celtic Park!

Always rated Dhorasoo and was hoping Celtic would go for him last season, was surprised Milan came in for him though.

Is Colloccini no closer to breaking into the first team?

Seen him play against us last season and he was excellent against Larsson, also very good when i seen him on Spanish football.

[Jeff]

Is Colloccini no closer to breaking into the first team?

Seen him play against us last season and he was excellent against Larsson, also very good when i seen him on Spanish football.

He is good, but not good enough in Milan because he is yet to be a world-class defender (lack of experience, etc).

Nevertheless, a huge prospective. Expect to see more action in a few years to come.

I think he actually may play tomorrow's game.

[Milanista ID]

--------------Crespo

Serginho-------Rui

--Dhorasso---Ambro---Brocchi

Maldini---Nesta---Coloccini---Billy

---------------Abbiati

[Dil dil]

celtic will play and they have nothing to lose since they are
already out of champion league so I think they will play good
and defencef way so I think milan need to attack and attack
and I think we will win 2-1


froza Milan

[Giovanni]

I think he actually may play tomorrow's game.
that's right..the last i headr report a back line with coloccini costacurta nesta and maldini


--------------dida

-coloccini-nesta-costacurta-maldini (maybe the can swap position)

-brocchi---ambrosini-dhorasoo

-ruicosta--------serginho/seedorf

-------shevchenko

[almilan]

Almilan (btw what is your real name?) is this match particularly felt in Ireland, due to the loads of Irish who support Celtic?

real name Alan, yes this is a lot of interest in this match here in Ireland. The match is live on 2 channels so I have a choice on which channel to watch which is unusual. If I go down to the main college bar tonight there will be loads of Celtic jerseys. I myself was one of them a few years ago when Celtic played Juve. Celtic are none of my friends number 1 team but most people in Ireland will support them provided they are not playing against their own favourite team. My uncle though is a big Celtic supporter and goes to the odd Celtic match.

In saying all that there is not as much interest in this match as there would be if Celtic still had a chance in qualiflying for the next round of the champions league as less and less people care about the uefa cup.

[Giovanni]

real name Alan, yes this is a lot of interest in this match here in Ireland. The match is live on 2 channels so I have a choice on which channel to watch which is unusual. If I go down to the main college bar tonight there will be loads of Celtic jerseys. I myself was one of them a few years ago when Celtic played Juve. Celtic are none of my friends number 1 team but most people in Ireland will support them provided they are not playing against their own favourite team. My uncle though is a big Celtic supporter and goes to the odd Celtic match.

In saying all that there is not as much interest in this match as there would be if Celtic still had a chance in qualiflying for the next round of the champions league as less and less people care about the uefa cup.
very interesting
i would have loved to attend this match, but unfortunately i'm a student and commitments + few moneys didn't allow me to go

[almilan]

I would have loved to gone aswell but very busy in college in my final year and money an issue aswell. maybe I am better off not going though, an Irish person in Paradise (Celtic Park) not supporting Celtic would not go down well!

Im actually planning on going to milan sampdoria march 12/13 with 3 of my friends though ( 2 man u, 1 arsenal supporter). the flights, accomodation 3star hotel 4 sharing and match tickets will cost €270 which is not bad. I have pretty much convinced them to go but its not definite yet. I wont be booking anything until January. Milan Juve in May is the one I really want to go to but its the weekend before my final exams so can't and also might not be able to get tickets for that one.

Anyway back to tonight Milan to win group and celtic to come 3rd would be a great night. what team line ups does the gazzeta have for tonight?

[Giovanni]

I was thinking about it, and there's a kind of paradox in such matches:

Is it better to play against the so called world class regulars who, maybe, want to avoid an injury looking for the tough matches, or agsint the so called backups, who want to show their quality and class in order to deserve better consideration (but maybe slightly less quality) ?

[Henrik]

...
Good to see that I have a fan ;)

[Giovanni]

Good to see that I have a fan ;)
unluckily for you hailhenrik is not a groupie :happy: :howler: :rock3:


:ilol:

[Henrik]

unluckily for you hailhenrik is not a groupie :happy: :howler: :rock3:


:ilol:
I wouldn't call it bad luck. He-Ho's is not my cup tea, but I heard some of your fellow priests are into that sort of thing ;)

[almilan]

anyone any news on line up yet I hope players who dont normally play are given a chance, we should avoid suspensions for our 1st team players at all costs

gattuso should not be played as he played with rangers and its only asking for trouble as he will get whistled and will probably react and might get a stiupid booking.

my team

Abs
Costacurta Nesta Colicinni Pancaro

Dhoraso
Brocchi Max Seedorf

Rui
Sheva Crespo

[Giovanni]

anyone any news on line up yet I hope players who dont normally play are given a chance, we should avoid suspensions for our 1st team players at all costs

gattuso should not be played as he played with rangers and its only asking for trouble as he will get whistled and will probably react and might get a stiupid booking.

my team

Abs
Costacurta Nesta Colicinni Pancaro

Dhoraso
Brocchi Max Seedorf

Rui
Sheva Crespo
alan, that's a 12 men line up :haha: ;)

[Giovanni]

I wouldn't call it bad luck. He-Ho's is not my cup tea, but I heard some of your fellow priests are into that sort of thing ;)
what He HO? :googly:

[almilan]

alan, that's a 12 men line up :haha: ;)

okay i would take out seedorf, as long as gattuso doesnt play as he has 2 yellow cards already

[Henrik]

what He HO? :googly:
Male prostitute :lala:

[Henrik]

okay i would take out seedorf, as long as gattuso doesnt play as he has 2 yellow cards already
No lets leave him in, maybe Celtic won't notice :lick:

[hitmannq8]

Carlotti said he'll field the strongest lineup available.. I really hope to see Coloccini and Dhorasoo start. We only need a draw to top the group.

Does anyone have probs with watching the game? Apparently, Telelatino has decided not to broadcast the game today! And no other channels put games of the Italian teams :(. Is there any possible way to watch it?

[Giovanni]

Male prostitute :lala:
:haha:

i meant female groupie :gonova:

[Goirre]

Official lineups:

CELTIC: Hedman; McNamara, Varga,Balde, Valgaren; Petrov, Thompson, Lennon, McGeady; Hartson, Sutton

MILAN: Dida; Coloccini, Nesta, Maldini, Costacurta; Brocchi, Ambrosini, Dhorasoo; Rui Costa, Serginho; Shevchenko

15 minutes to go :firedev: