Absent Jacynta is of no concern to City’s coach
Glasgow City start a three-game run today which could define their season when they play Celtic in the SWPL match of the day at Petershill Park.
Next up is a Sky Sports Cup semi-final against Hibs, and after the international break they face Rangers in the league.
When City were beaten 3-2 by Celtic in last season’s Scottish Cup Final, it was the first time since 2003 they’d failed to win a trophy.
Their record run of 14-in-a-row league titles was ended by Rangers while they also lost to Celtic in the League Cup – now the Sky Sports Cup – Final.
So City head coach Eileen Gleeson is still searching for her first trophy success since joining the club from the Republic of Ireland set-up last November.
“Celtic have a really strong squad,” said Gleeson. “They’ve got a lot of creativity, some very good forwards, and have added strength in depth in areas they needed to.
“It’s reflected in their performances. They’re scoring a lot of goals and keeping clean sheets. They’re tough opposition.”
Celtic lead the table on goal difference from Rangers and City. All three sides have maximum points from their opening eight games and City’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen in August is the only time any of the leaders have conceded a goal.
Gleeson says it makes no difference to her plans that Celtic come into today’s game without last season’s PFA Scotland Young Player of the Season, Jacynta.
The exciting young Australian was sent off after 38 minutes of Celtic’s Sky Sports Cup quarter-final defeat to Spartans last Sunday, and is suspended.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was shown a straight red for dissent.
Celtic were leading 1-0 at the time but Spartans equalised two minutes into time added on. It went to extra time before Spartans won 4-2 on penalties.
“We’re just focusing on our own squad and strengths,” Gleeson said. “She’s not a topic we’ve been discussing, or an area we’ve been working on in training.”
Rangers, who have scored 42 goals to Celtic’s 43, have a great chance to go top when they host Dundee United at Broadwood.
Aberdeen, who are second bottom, play the club below them, Glasgow Women, in only the second SWPL game ever played at Pittodrie.
Fourth-placed Hearts host Motherwell, Hibs play Partick Thistle, and Celtic’s conquerors, Spartans, are at home to Hamilton Accies.