Celtic welcome Celta Vigo to Parkhead on Thursday night in a Europa League matchday three showdown that both clubs enter without a point from their opening two games. The Scottish champions are seeking their first points of the campaign after defeats in their first two fixtures, while their Spanish visitors have also lost both matches so far.
The fixture revives a European rivalry from 24 years ago, when Henrik Larsson scored in a first-leg win at Parkhead and John Hartson's strike in Spain secured Celtic's passage to the fourth round of the UEFA Cup on away goals. Martin O'Neill, the manager of that 2003 side that reached the final in Seville, is again in the dugout, but this time Celtic face a battle to even qualify for the knockout stages.
Writers' Score Predictions
Record Sport's team has delivered their score predictions for the match, with a range of outcomes expected.
Keith Jackson predicts a 2-1 defeat for Celtic, suggesting that while O'Neill will hope his side retains the energy and tempo shown in their recent thrashing of Hearts, the European campaign has been "a case of tip toeing through a live minefield so far." He expects it could be "one step forward, two steps back against the Spaniards."
Scott Burns foresees a 1-1 draw, noting that Celtic fans might need to be patient and that if the team gets it right defensively they should put their first points on the board. He acknowledges Celtic's firepower but also rates Celta as a decent side.
Confidence High After Hearts Rout
Ryan McDonald, Mark Pirie, and Ross Pilcher all predict a 2-1 victory for Celtic. McDonald points out that two of the nine pointless teams collide at Parkhead, and that nine points from their three remaining home games could be enough for Celtic to sneak into the knockouts. He notes that Celta arrive in Glasgow depleted by injuries, including star man Borja Iglesias and ex-Celt Carl Starfelt.
Pirie believes Celtic have found their rhythm following the international break, with impressive league displays either side of a tough night in Lisbon. He notes that the Spanish side only managed their second win of the season last weekend amid a tough campaign.
Pilcher highlights Celtic's seven goals against Hearts as a source of confidence, while acknowledging that Celta are "clearly no mugs" and that the match will require a performance to claim a first three points.
Scott McDermott predicts a 2-2 draw, arguing that the thumping win over Hearts must give Celtic a lift but that they have been "found wanting" on the European stage so far this season. He expects the Hoops to score but remains concerned about their defensive vulnerability, noting that Celta only narrowly lost to Juventus in their last Europa League outing.
