It's never easy going to the Old Firm, especially when they're having a flag party. However, things are even harder for us as we've managed to have an injury crisis before the season has even started. Andy Dorman and Craig Dargo are out for a few weeks and they could be joined on the sidelines by Gary Mason, Franco Miranda, Will Haining and new signing Tonet. Being without six players to face anyone is never good, so being without six for a trip to Parkhead is a disaster. Fingers crossed at least some of the walking wounded are fit enough to play.
If they miss out, it gives an extremely early chance for those players likely to find themselves on the fringes of the squad this season a chance to prove themselves. Marc McAusland is the obvious candidate to start in Haining's place, while Garry Brady and Hugh Murray will probably find themselves in midfield. It'll be interesting to see what the starting line-up is - both in terms of formation and personnel. Will we play two up front? Will Jack Ross take David Barron's place? Will Dennis Wyness or Tom Brighton start as a lone striker? Your guess is as good mine to all these questions, which will hopefully be answered tomorrow.
Saints have actually signed more players than Celtic over the summer, which is quite an impressive achievement. Fortunately for them, the players they had last season were actually quite good. Scott McDonald is a menace to defenders everywhere, while Artur Boruc is probably one of the top keepers in Britain, if not Europe, although he is prone to the odd mistake. Aiden McGeady is also quite handy, although he was kept quiet by Barron at Love Street in February. Celtic will have the benefit of an extra man tomorrow as Eddie Smith will be in charge. It was his disgraceful decision that gifted Celtic all three points the last time we played them - although, thankfully, diver Shunsuke Nakamura is injured.
Sadly, the rest of the Celtic team is not and that, combined with our own problems, should ensure another flag day win for the hosts. It is, however, worth noting that the eventual champions in five of the last six SPL seasons have drawn their opening games. Rangers won today, meaning we'll either get a draw or someone outside the Old Firm will win the league this year!