Winning by numbers

I was grateful to receive this today from the quite brilliant Alan Morrison.

He’s the guy behind Celtic By Numbers and is one of the trio on the Huddle Breakdown.

Every week those three knock it out of the park with unmissable content.

There is much sneering among the Stenogropahy Corps about fan media.

Well, Alan, Enda and James have CVs that the average sports desk chap couldn’t understand never mind match!

Dear reader, Alan Morrison is a perfect example of a  piece of wisdom that guides our humble correspondent:

If you cannot explain something simply then you do not understand it fully.

As I walk up my bóithrín I often find myself calling Alan to ascertain if  I have the right take on the most recent performance by the Hoops.

As ever with himself the devil is in the data.

For the avoidance of doubt, I hope that the chaps from Portugal emerge from the stadium that John Brown played for with at least a draw.

Obviously, my thoughts are on next Sunday.

That’s why I’m grateful to my data buddy for offering some hard evidence that my Bhoys might prevail.

Alan has discerned a growing consistency under Ange.

“For Celtic, Postecoglou has a consistent style of play that the players are increasingly implementing into consistent performances, helped by a reducing injury list.”

The known unknown is WHICH Sevco team will actually turn up.

Indeed, Alan makes an interesting observation:

“Dare I say it, Van Bronckhorst’s side have more in common with Lennon’s Celtic. And his tactical choices in the two recent Derby matches support this comparison.”

If Sevco brings their Dortmund game to Hampden then Ange’s bhoys will have to be at their best to get to the final.

The thing is it isn’t guaranteed what team Gio will take to the match on Sunday.

Will it be the overperformers in Europe or the team that chokes against the likes of Motherwell?

If they’re feeling the pressure to save their season next Sunday then we have the words of the Sevco captain to guide us.

Whatever the result in the semi-final you would be well advised to follow Alan ( @Alan_Morrison67 ) where you will find the complicated made intelligible for the likes of me!