Prediction: Borussia M’gladbach vs Celtic



Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

After recording a 2-0 triumph at Parkhead, Borussia M’gladbach can secure the third place in the standings on Tuesday evening, while also placing extra pressure on second-placed Man City. Nothing is lost for Celtic in spite of the disappointing start, but they have to win at Borussia-Park if they want to continue their European campaign.

Borussia M’gladbach

Borussia M’gladbach qualified with ease for the Champions League group stages, hammering Young Boys 10-2 on aggregate, but the new league campaign hasn’t been going according to the plan. Die Fohlen occupy 12th position in the standings after winning just 3 of first 9 league fixtures and it is clear that they are struggling to find the balance between their European and domestic campaigns. Borussia not only took just two points from last four Bundesliga fixtures, but also failed to score a single goal in the process, although 2-0 wins over Celtic (Champions League) and Stuttgart (DFB Pokal) have improved the dressing room atmosphere slightly. After the goalless draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, die Fohlen face a very important European fixture against Celtic as another win over the Bhoys would all but guarantee them a Europa League berth, while also keeping their chances of reaching the CL knockout stages decent enough. The good news is that a couple of important players will be back to the side for the Celtic game, which is going to provide a much needed boost. And while Borussia have been far from impressive at home of late, they did manage to keep three successive clean sheets, so at least they are showing improvement at the back.

Team News

The likes of Raffael and Tobias Strobl are back in contention and they are both expected to be recalled to the starting line-up.

However, important wingers Thorgan Hazard and Ibrahima Traore are out with knee and muscle injuries respectively.



Celtic

Bar a couple of off days, Celtic have been pretty impressive under Brendan Rodgers and they are somewhat unfortunate not to be in a better position to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages from what resembles a group of death. Yes, the Bhoys were hammered 7-0 by mighty Barcelona, but they largely impressed in the 3-3 draw with star-studded Man City, who were forced to come from a goal behind on three occasions to secure one point. Celtic also played well in the first match against Borussia M’gladbach, but Kolo Toure’s mistakes gifted the opposition three points, so it is maybe a blessing in disguise that the Ivorian is unlikely to make the clash at Borussia Park. In his absence, Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko have established a very good partnership, keeping successive clean sheets against Rangers and Aberdeen, while Celtic have now avoided conceding in five of last six matches in all competitions. And with Borussia not exactly firing on all cylinders at the moment, this is enough to suggest that we could see a low-scoring match on Tuesday evening.

Team News

Brendan Rodgers is sweating over the fitness of Kolo Toure, while Kieran Tierney is set for a two-month spell on the sidelines.

Key Factors to Consider

• Borussia kept three successive clean sheets at home
• Celtic did not concede in five of last six matches
• Die Fohlen recorded a 2-0 win at Parkhead
• Celtic kept four straight clean sheets on the road
• Borussia did not score in last four Bundesliga fixtures

Conclusion

If it hadn’t been for Kolo Toure’s mistakes, the first match between the two sides would have probably ended goalless and we expect to see another similar encounter. You only need to look at the bullet points outlined above to understand why we are backing at least one team not to score at Borussia Park.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: William Hill