Source: SKY_Sports
Bhoys in firing line
Charlie Nicholas fears Celtic's defence will need all hands to the pump to stop a rampant Arsenal destroying their Champions League dream at Celtic Park on Tuesday.
Arsenal travel to Glasgow for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, fresh off the back of a stunning 6-1 victory over Everton on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Celtic also started superbly, beating Aberdeen 3-1, and Nicholas likes what he sees under the new regime of Tony Mowbray.
However, after Arsenal smashed six past Everton - without the names Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin nor Nicklas Bendtner getting on the scoresheet - Nicholas fears The Bhoys could be overrun come Tuesday night.
"Arsenal had the toughest fixture of any of the top four clubs but the performance was breathtaking. The speed of pass was exceptional and the result will be great for confidence," the former Celtic and Arsenal man told Sky Sports News.
"Andrei Arshavin's build-up play was classy, people talk about a lack of pace in certain areas but watch Cesc Fabregas leave Phil Neville for his goal. It's been a long time since I've felt like Arsenal can batter a team on the counter attack, but Everton couldn't get close to the likes of Fabregas at the weekend.
"I think we've now got an Arsenal team with a hunger, with a willingness to strike the ball from distance as we saw with Denilson's goal, and when they lost the ball they all had that work ethic which was refreshing to see.
"Alex Song looked strong in midfield, maybe they lack pace in the centre of defence but Song is dropping deeper this season - winning headers from goal kicks and allowing the defence to drop five yards deeper. Arsenal just need more consistency, Wenger has pinpointed this, and you can see a ruthless side developing.
"The big problem for Celtic will be how do you defend against Arsenal? It's not just a case of stopping Van Persie, Fabregas, Arshavin, you've also got Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner - who has to have a big season this year."
Celtic hope to have Scott Brown available to start after making a substitute appearance at the weekend, but doubts remain over Shaun Maloney and Glenn Loovens.
Nicholas admits it would be a blow to lose either of that duo, but he does not expect Mowbray to err from his trademark attacking philosophy.
"I don't think Tony Mowbray will change much for the Champions League encounter. Celtic were extremely impressive in the first half against Aberdeen at the weekend, they went 3-0 up but it could have been six," he added.
"I've had a lot of digs at Celtic about the way they play but Aiden McGeady, Shaun Maloney and Massimo Donati all played well.
McGeady's got two lovely feet, he'll be a problem for Arsenal, and Scott McDonald is a poacher.
"There are some injury worries surrounding Maloney and Loovens. If they don't make it they'll be a massive blow for Celtic.
"But when Celtic get the ball they'll try to get it out to the wide men, Scott Brown will probably start after returning from injury, he can provide the cutting pass.
"I don't think Mowbray can change an awful lot shape-wise. People say you have to squeeze Arsenal, Celtic will try that in midfield but in general they will play open football and I think we're in for a stunning game."
