Celtic will be looking to extract revenge on CFR Cluj as they meet at Celtic Park in Group E of the Europa League Group Stage, after the Romanian visitors dumped them out of the Champions League earlier this season.
The Hoops come into this meeting sat second in the group after a 1-1 draw with Rennes last time out whilst Cluj stunned Lazio to top the group.
Team news
Nir Bitton is set to return to midfield for Celtic after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Tom Rogic and Mikey Johnston are however doubts with respective knee and groin injuries, whilst Jozy Simunovic, Daniel Arzani (both knee), Leigh Griffiths (thigh & virus) and Scott Bain (thumb) remain ruled out.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo is suspended after he was sent off in their group opener away at Rennes a fortnight ago.
CFR Cluj has a near full squad but will be without their Champions League Third Qualifying tie winner – George Tucudean due to injury.
Paulo Vinicius and Gheorghe Muresan are also absent through injury.
Stat Attack
- This is the third meeting between Celtic and CFR Cluj this season with the Hoops still yet to win against the Romanian team (D1, L1).
- Cluj opened the scoring in both meetings in the Champions League Third Qualifying round.
- James Forrest has scored in four of Celtic’s last five European matches.
Prediction
Celtic will be up for this clash against a Cluj side who inflicted late heartbreak on them in their Champions League third qualifying tie back in August.
They however will need to raise their game after being held at Hibernian on Saturday, despite producing a dominant display but Cluj will look to exploit any defensive niggles like Hibs did.
I therefore am expecting a good game between these two teams but Celtic should squeeze a home win purely on desire to revenge their 4-3 defeat here in August.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 CFR Cluj
Result: Celtic 2-0 CFR Cluj
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