ian1964 10,720 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 A minute's applause will precede Scotland's friendly against England on Tuesday in tribute to the Scotland fan who died following their victory over the Republic of Ireland on Friday. Nathan McSeveney, 20, died when he fell in a Celtic Park stairwell. Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said: "We have all been extremely saddened. "It is fitting that Scotland supporters have an opportunity to pay tribute to one of their own at Celtic Park." The tribute was announced after consultation with McSeveney's family, from Cumnock in Ayrshire. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,720 Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 It’s not like an Auld Enemy clash to go without some heated tension and with Scotland taking on England this evening there’s set to be no shortage of fireworks on the pitch. Celtic Park will host the only show in town, the oldest football rivalry in the world, as Gordon Strachan’s men go head-to-head with Roy Hodgson’s. George Square v Trafalgar Square, Hampden v Wembley, Irn Bru v cups of tea...the list of is endless when it comes to Scotland v England but the only one that matters tonight is the Lion Rampant v the Three Lions. Line-ups never tend to pick themselves when it comes to friendlies, but when it’s our neighbours coming to visit the starting XI may be more familiar than usual. On paper there’s nothing at stake, but to the supporters it’s about so much more than three points when these two sides meet. And taking an in-depth look at who could be facing who on the field, here are some of the key battles which could unfold. Scott Brown v Ross Barkley If ever there was a chance to see two balls of energy come face-to-face it’s the possibility of Scott Brown playing against Ross Barkley. The 20-year old is seen as a potential to takeover Wayne Rooney’s No.10 shirt eventually but having played in defence at the start of his career he has the ability to track back and cover. He likes to dribble so if he’s given space to turn it on tonight it could frustrate Brown in reckless tackles. If the Scotland captain keeps his head though, the strength and experience should see him come out on top, despite Barkley recently being given a £60million price tag. Shaun Maloney v Luke Shaw Following his outstanding goal against Ireland at the weekend, Shaun Maloney goes into this coming match with England as undoubtedly the most prolific of Scotland's front line. Jinking between defenders on either wing and encouraged to cut inside to find space by his manager, the former Celtic attacking midfielder will be on Hodgson's mind ahead of the game. Who the experienced coach will send out to keep the tiny assassin quiet is likely to be Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw. England's latest bright star in the left-back role. Yet despite now playing regular football for Louis Van Gaal's side, Shaw has still only lasted the whole 90 minutes of a game on five occasions this season. Whether or not he's up to the task of chasing Maloney around Celtic Park tonight is yet to be seen. Ikechi Anya v Calum Chambers With Maloney hoping to cause havoc on the right for Scotland, Watford winger Ikechi Anya is likely to feature for Scotland on the left and offer a similar amount of grief to England's defence. The pacy forward has been outstanding in short bursts for Strachan's side throughout the campaign and will be hoping to add England to his growing list of earned scalps. The 26-year-old will also take confidence from the news that his likely opponent will be none other than recent Arsenal signing Calum Chambers. Although the former Southampton prodigy has bags of potential, his move to London hasn't exactly gone to plan with manager Arsene Wenger often playing him out position in a far from settled back-line. Steven Whittaker v Danny Welbeck Up the other end of the park, Hodgson will look to another Arsenal player in Danny Welbeck to find space and chances behind the Scotland defence. The former Man Utd striker has always been a favourite for the England coach and looks like a new man since arriving at the Emirates stadium in North London. Playing on the left-hand side of attack, Welbeck will be hoping to get the better of Norwich full-back Steven Whittaker who has been ever-present under Strachan this year. Here the former Rangers defender will have to be at his best, as he comes up against a forward who has scored five goals in four games for England in their own qualifying group. Steven Naismith v Jack Wilshere Finally, we come to the midfield battle that could well decide just how this game is likely to go; Steven Naismith against Jack Wilshere. The Everton attacking midfielder has been in excellent form in the Premier League this season and will come into the tie against some familiar faces in England with a well-earned air of confidence about him. Naismith has of course came up against Wilshere already this season, when Everton drew 2-2 with Arsenal in the Premier League. That day the Scot was able to get the better of the holding midfielder and grabbed a much needed goal. In comparison, Wilshere has struggled this season in an Arsenal side that have looked far from their best for quite some time. A surprising and somewhat unexpected performance will be necessary if he has any hope of keeping Naismith quiet. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zappa 0 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 A minute's applause for someone who died four days ago is not a fitting mark of remembrance or tribute in any way. Why would you clap to pay tribute to anyone's death? It's like saying well done for dying! Only at the piggery! Shame on the SFA for allowing that pish! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,720 Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 A minute's applause for someone who died four days ago is not a fitting mark of remembrance or tribute in any way. Why would you clap to pay tribute to anyone's death? It's like saying well done for dying! Only at the piggery! Shame on the SFA for allowing that pish! Everyone knows the BHEASTS can't do a minutes silence! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,720 Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 Henry Winter @henrywinter 3m3 minutes ago Expected #eng: Forster; Clyne, Smalling, Cahill, Shaw; Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner; Downing; Rooney, Welbeck. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,720 Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barca72 440 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Everyone knows the BHEASTS can't do a minutes silence! Agreed. The SFA are covering their bases in case those fools, who appear at the C1888c games, sing their IRA songs. If it was my child I would be offended at them applauding my son's death. If they can't give him a minute's silence in respect, then don't acknowledge his death at all. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chibmark 19 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 I see Whitaker is still bombscare material. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ser Barristan Selmy 222 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 That English lineup is brutal. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
the gunslinger 3,366 Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 I see Whitaker is still bombscare material. Was excellent v Ireland 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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