Prediction: Celtic vs RB Leipzig

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to collect a heavyweight Champions League scalp on Tuesday night, Celtic will welcome RB Leipzig to Glasgow.

Celtic

Starting with the hosts, only continuing on what has been a sensational romp this season, Celtic find the mood around Glasgow at a red-hot high. Laying down a real marker over the weekend as they extended on their League Cup adventure thanks to a 6-0 romp against Aberdeen, Brendan Rodgers’ side have rightfully received a string of plaudits. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with a thumping 5-1 win against Slovan Bratislava on September 18th, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat across any competition since getting the new campaign underway. Once again leading the chase at the top of the Premiership table and pencilled in as a landslide contender to make more domestic history, Celtic have also continued to shine with their free-scoring performances in the final third. Winning their last three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-0, Rodgers’ camp will be desperate to collect a heavyweight scalp here.

Team News

Making a timely return over the weekend, skipper Callum McGregor will once again start at the heart of Celtic’s midfield. Likewise, making a cameo appearance off the bench against Aberdeen on Saturday evening, former Norwich striker Adam Idah will also be included in Rodgers’ squad here.

Opening his Champions League account against Slovan Bratislava on September 18th, Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi will spearhead Celtic’s charge in the final third. Former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will start between the sticks in Glasgow.

RB Leipzig

As for the visitors, watching their Bundesliga flurry come to an abrupt end over the weekend as they suffered a 2-1 loss away at Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig are desperately seeking a much-needed response here. However, although the Red Bulls might still find themselves scrapping it out at the top of the Bundesliga table, they have continued on a real Champions League struggle so far this season. Last seen in European action falling to a 1-0 defeat at home against Premier League giants Liverpool, Marco Rose’s side have come under some increasing scrutiny. Getting their Champions League adventure underway on September 19th with a collapse away at Atletico Madrid as they slumped to a 2-1 loss, Leipzig have lost each of their opening three European showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-3. It should also be noted, Rose’s side have failed to record a single clean sheet from any of their previous four matchups across all competitions.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, RB Leipzig will travel to Glasgow without the likes of David Raum, Xaver Schlager and Castello Lukeba. Likewise, sustaining an ankle issue last week, the Red Bulls have confirmed that Dutch international Xavi Simons will not feature on Tuesday night.

Although attacking talisman Lois Openda might still be waiting to open his Champions League account this season, the 24-year-old will play a leading role in the final third. Ex-Liverpool star Emre Can could once again start at the heart of Sahin’s defence here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Celtic and RB Leipzig last met in Champions League action back in October 2022, the Red Bulls collected a 2-0 win in Glasgow.
• In fact, Leipzig have won three of their four historic European showdowns against Celtic.
• Celtic have suffered just a single defeat across any competition so far this season.
• Tuesday’s guests have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
• Continuing on from last season, Celtic have not suffered a single defeat in Glasgow over the past 11 months.

Conclusion

With RB Leipzig losing each of their first three Champions League appearances by an aggregate score of 6-3, Celtic will be desperate to collect a heavyweight scalp here. Watching the Hoops win each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-0, Rodgers’ side should be confident of cashing in on a Leipzig squad that have failed to record a clean sheet from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Luckster