In about 74 hours' time, Google is supposed to announce its third quarter financial results.  Holding a sort of countdown seems appropriate, too, as a lot of analysts and onlookers expect that the figures will be worth celebrating.

There's something to be said for precedent, first of all; since Google's IPO in 2004, it's been very rare for the search giant to not make a positive quarterly report.  A quick glance at how Google's stock has performed over the past three months also proves that the company has done all right in recent days. 

Then, it's important to consider the mood of Google's CEO.  In reference to the recession, Eric Schmidt recently said, "It's clear that the worst is behind us."  He expressed an interest in making acquisitions on a regular basis, as well.

Finally, if you'd like to get more precise and objective about it, Eric Savitz identified six different analysts who raised their targets today.  The analysts aren't random folks with access to Google Finance, either, as they represent Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Kaufman Bros., Thomas Weisel Partners, and UBS.

Google fans and shareholders may want to have their party hats and confetti at hand Thursday afternoon.