The upcoming seven days are some of the biggest Celtic have had in a long time. Over the next week, there will be three mammoth talking points from a Hoops’ point of view.
Firstly, we have the Champions League group stage draw. That will transpire on Thursday at 5 pm UK time. The Bhoys will find out their three opponents, indeed hoping they are not drawn into a group of death.
Although the league is utterly crucial this season, supporters want to see European progress. Brendan Rodgers will know this and have a watchful eye on Thursday’s events in Monaco.
The summer transfer deadline is just over 24 hours after the Champions League draw. Clubs have until midnight on Friday, September 1st, to sign players. By then, it will be hoped that the Hoops have brought a fair few bodies in.
Arguably, Celtic need four quality additions between now and Friday night. The club must be active in the market over the coming days or risk fan outcry and their domestic dominance.
A colossal week for the Bhoys is then capped off with a Glasgow Derby on Sunday. Celtic travel to Ibrox a point ahead of their city rivals, needing a win or draw to remain above them in the table heading into the maiden international break of the season.
At the minute, it is fair to say few Hoops fans are confident about the clash. The champions have failed to win in their previous two matches, but form goes out the window in derby games. Admittedly, the visitors do have a slight disadvantage because of injuries and venue, but anything can happen.
It is undeniably a mighty week upcoming for Celtic. The European draw adds some excitement to supporters’ minds, and if things go well on the pitch and in the transfer market, there could be a much more positive mood surrounding the club by next Monday.
