Celtic v Fulham - Match preview
last updated Friday 20th July 2001, 8:40 AM
Fulham travel up to Celtic ParkThis
evening to take on the Scottish Champions in the club’s third pre-season
friendly.
The last encounter Fulham had with a side managed by Martin O’Neill
was, of course, that dramatic Worthington Cup tie against Leicester City
back in January 2000. Unfortunately for Fulham, that night ended with the
Whites bowing out of the competition with three consecutive penalty misses
– despite being two goals up with only minutes remaining on the clock.
After Tuesday's tough but credible looking draw against Sparta Prague, Jean
Tigana’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways against a
Celtic side who have also recently played European opposition.
Whilst events at Kingfield were unfolding, Celtic were facing another of
next season’s Champions League teams, Porto. In a rather uninspiring
match, Celtic were unlucky to go down 1-0 following a controversial late
winner from Porto midfielder Capucho.
Fulham will be without the services of Bjarne Goldbaek after he suffered
a head injury against Sparta. Goldbaek aside, Tigana is expected have the
full squad available for selection as he looks to claim Fulham’s first
big scalp of the season.
Celtic, who will have no doubt inherited O’Neill’s relentless
and resolute footballing philosophy, will prove to be a stern test from
the Whites. With Henrik Larsson and former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton
forming a dangerous partnership in attack, Fulham’s defence will have
to be on top of their game in order to keep the high-scoring duo in check.
Bobby Petta, a player heavily linked in the media with a switch to Fulham
prior to moving north of the border, is also one to watch. The former Ipswich
wing-man won the hearts of the Celtic faithful with some dazzling displays
last season and will be looking to continue where he left off.
However, with Louis Saha already looking in fine form and John Collins
going back to his old club, the stage looks set of a feast of goals.
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Source fulham fc
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