Celtic can move seven points clear at the top of the Premiership with a win at Falkirk this weekend, but the league table masks a series of problems at Parkhead. The 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Wednesday maintained their four-point advantage at the summit, yet the Hoops have won only three of their last nine matches and are conceding goals regularly in both domestic and European competition.
Dugout doubts and recruitment concerns
Martin O'Neill remains a Celtic legend, and his legacy is secure regardless of this season's outcome. However, a section of supporters is losing faith in the manager and his coaching staff. Heading into November, the starting line-up is still unclear, and there is confusion over the style of play, with the team appearing disjointed off the ball and reliant on individual moments to win games.
Recruitment has been a problem, but when it comes to game plans, the responsibility lies in the dugout. The Hoops' record summer signing, Kasper Hogh, is now 13 games without a goal after his £11m move. He badly needs to find the net, though the setup has not helped him, with wide players like Camilo Duran posing threats for themselves rather than providing for the striker.
Midfield balance and defensive frailties
Callum McGregor, Mika Baur, and Benjamin Nygren are all top players with unique skills, but together the blend is not quite right. When in possession they are fine, but when the ball is lost, Celtic are wide open and vulnerable to counters. This issue has been magnified in Europe and has also affected domestic games, with opposition sides racking up numerous attempts on goal.
The defence has shipped 17 goals in the last nine games, with poor performances in European matches and against Rangers, as well as lapses in domestic games. The chopping and changing of goalkeepers, with Sam Johnstone and Viljami Sinisalo swapping, has not helped, but Celtic should still be more organised and disciplined at the back.
Testing fixtures and looming AGM
Celtic's position at the top is sparing them more grief, but the first round of fixtures has thrown up an anomaly: they have faced all other top-six sides at home and will now face them away. Trips to Ibrox, Tynecastle, Tannadice, and Dens Park are on the horizon, starting with Sunday's visit to Falkirk, plus tough European away days before Christmas.
Adding to the on-field concerns is the annual general meeting, which must take place before the turn of the year and has historically been held in November. Last year's AGM dissolved into chaos when then chairman Peter Lawwell called a halt early due to unrest during Ross Desmond's address on behalf of his father Dermott. With many of the same problems from 12 months ago remaining, this year's meeting could be another interesting event, offering supporters the only chance to hold the club's powerbrokers to account.
