Celtic face a tough test as they welcome Group E favourites, Lazio to Celtic Park for a crucial Europa League clash.
A home win will see Celtic stay top and unbeaten in the group, whereas Lazio can leapfrog the Hoops to possibly move top with victory if CFR Cluj fails to win at Rennes.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesCeltic could be without Jozo Simunovic and Michael Johnston due to match fitness concerns after returning from recent injuries.
Nir Bitton meanwhile is unlikely to be risked as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, whilst Marian Shved (ankle) is ruled out.
Lazio will have a full squad available, including ex Liverpool midfielder, Lucas Leiva who missed their 3-3 draw with Atalanta at the weekend through suspension.
Stat Attack
- This is Celtic’s first meeting with Lazio in all competitions.
- Celtic haven’t won any of their last nine meetings with Italian opposition since beating AC Milan 2-1 in October 2007 during the 2007-08 Champions League Group Stage (D3, L6).
- Lazio have won just one of their last five European away games (W1, L4).
Prediction
Both teams enter this match after two different but excellent attacking displays at the weekend, but it’s Celtic who were defensively better which is key given the importance of this match.
Lazio however will be hoping for a better performance after scoring and conceding three at the weekend, which I can see causing Celtic trouble if they are firing on all cylinders and guarding their backline better.
A draw therefore would be a decent result given Celtic’s poor record against Italian teams, although I am going for a home win if the Hoops can play as ruthlessly as they did at the weekend.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Lazio
Result: Celtic 2-1 Lazio
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