Celtic – RB Leipzig : Preview & Prediction
The clock is ticking on Celtic’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign after a 3-1 defeat in Germany against RB Leipzig last week consigned them to last place in Group F at the halfway stage of the group stage. Manager Ange Postecoglou said the best way to progress is to “be brave and bold,” something Celtic certainly did at the weekend (G 2-1), allowing an injury-time equalizer against St. Johnstone, only to go straight out and score the winner moments later to preserve their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Postecoglou will now hope to build on that result as they look for a repeat of the last time these teams shared a group in the 2018/19 Europa League, as both sides won their home game and Celtic eventually qualified at the expense of Leipzig. However, getting past the Red Bulls in this tournament may be much more difficult, especially considering Celtic have failed to win 21 of their last 23 matches in the UCL group stage (E4, P17).
Leipzig recorded a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mainz over the weekend, continuing their inconsistent Bundesliga performance (G3, E3, P3), however, their attention is quickly turning to UCL matters once again. Coach Marco Rose publicly criticized star striker Timo Werner for his “petulance” after his substitution during the 3-1 win in the previous clash between these teams last week, showing that he is not afraid to show his authority after only six games on the bench (G3, E1, P2).
Victory would at least secure transfer to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League for Leipzig, and with no draws in their last eight UCL away games (G2, L6), the points seem to be going one way or the other. With a pair of defeats in their only previous visits to Glasgow, Leipzig must show the kind of tenacity that has seen them score in five of their last six away halves if they are to be successful here.
Players to watch: Celtic’s Georgios Giakoumakis scored his typical late goal against St. Johnstone, meaning that four of his last five goals for the club have come beyond the 80th minute. If selected, this will be Kevin Kampl’s sixth appearance against Celtic, an amazing fact given that he has never played in Scotland! The Leipzig midfielder and former Salzburg player lost just one of those five previous meetings (G3, E1).
Key fact: Celtic have a miserable winning percentage of 15% against German opponents in UEFA competitions (G4, E5, P18).
Celtic – RB Leipzig : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
