Celtic must beware Angel of destruction

Sep 28 2008 By Gavin Berry

VILLARREAL danger man Angel Lopez will pile pressure on the Celtic star chosen to fill the problem left-back position when the sides clash on Tuesday.

The Spaniard set up both goals in their midweek win over Racing Santander with his pace and crossing ability.

Gordon Strachan, who has struggled to find a settled left-back in recent seasons, will be well aware of the threat posed by Villarreal's attacking right back.

But Lopez's performance underlines the attacking quality that runs through their team.

MailSport was in El Madrigal for the 2-0 win on Wednesday night - Villarreal's last home game before the clash with Hoops.

Lopez terrorised the right flank and his blistering run and cross allowed Joan Capdevilla to head home the opener.

The second goal was a carbon copy - this time Joseba Llorente nodding home.

Villarreal weren't seriously tested in midweek and Celtic should cause more problems.

The home side have an abundance of talent but the man in the dugout, Manuel Pellegrini, is their biggest asset.

At 55, he has won titles in his native Chile, Ecuador and Argentina and earned a reputation as one of the best bosses in La Liga.

The wily gaffer showed his experience to lead his side to a vital point in their opening group match at Manchester United.

He dropped main men Marcos Senna and Santi Cozorla - both involved in Spain's Euro 2008 win - to the surprise of fans.

Instead he went with a defensive midfielder Edmilson and a lone striker, Mexican Guille Franco, and the gamble paid off.

Senna and Cozorla are almost certain to be back in the line-up for the big test with Celtic.

Fans of the Yellow Submarine want entertained in their own stadium and Pellegrini will pick a team to suit the occasion.

Senna and Cozorla played against Santander - while Nihat Kahveci returned from injury.

The former Real Sociedad man - who scored two goals in Turkey's famous Euro 2008 comeback win against the Czech Republic - was partnered in attack by Llorente.

Robert Pires is the most familiar name in the team.

He's nearly 35 now and rarely used for 90 minutes, but can be a real asset from the bench.