Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava Champions League predictions and stats: Bhoys begin quest to end barren spell
Celtic will look to end their long-running Champions League suffering this season, beginning with a home match against Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday.
The Bhoys haven’t reached the Champions League knockout rounds since the 2012/13 campaign, which was the season they famously beat a Barcelona side containing the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi 2-1 at Celtic Park. For Slovan Bratislava, meanwhile, this is the first time they’ve ever made it beyond the qualifying rounds.
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Three Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava predictions
Celtic 2-1 Slovan Bratislava (15/2 with Boylesports)
Celtic lost just one of their three home Champions League games last season, beating Feyenoord 2-1 in their last one.
Callum McGregor to score anytime (4/1 with Boylesports)
Callum McGregor is Celtic’s joint-top scorer so far this season with three goals.
Half-time correct score: Celtic 2-0 Slovan Bratislava (9/2 with Boylesports)
Celtic have been 2-0 up at half-time in four of their six games across all competitions this season.
How to watch Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava live
Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava kicks off at 8pm (UK time) on Wednesday, 18th September, and will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 2.
How both teams go into Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava
The Champions League has largely provided nothing but pain for Celtic in recent years. But the new league phase format perhaps offers them a chance to sneak into the knockout rounds. Whereas last season, the Bhoys had six incredibly tough group-stage matches against Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord, this time they host the likes of Slovan Bratislava, Young Boys and Club Brugge. Couple that with an away trip to Dinamo Zagreb and Celtic will feel like they have a genuine shot at notching up some points.
Of course, that doesn’t mean facing Slovan Bratislava will be an easy game. The Sky Blues have won the last six Slovakian league titles and have already seen off some tough opposition in the likes of FC Midtjylland and APOEL Nicosia to reach this stage. However, they are complete rookies at this level of the Champions League and won’t be expected to pick up many points, especially away from home. This presents an opportunity for Celtic to finally win their opening game of a Champions League campaign, having previously drawn two and losing 10 of those. Indeed, they’ve not scored a goal in their opening match since 2006/07, in a 3-2 defeat away to Manchester United.
Celtic team news
Maik Nawrocki (calf) is currently the only Celtic player dealing with an injury. New signing Arne Engels had an immediate impact on his full debut, scoring in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hearts. Another deadline-day signing, Luke McCowan, also scored over the weekend. However, the former Dundee captain is expected to remain on the bench.
Slovan Bratislava team news
Slovan will be missing centre-back Lukas Pauschek due to a shoulder injury he suffered on the first day of the league season last month. Goalkeeper Dominik Takac has played only once in the league since joining from Spartak Trnava in the summer, but he has featured in all six of Slovan’s subsequent European matches.
Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava head-to-head
The only previous meeting between these sides came during the 1963/64 European Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals, when Celtic won 2-0 on aggregate with two 1-0 victories, before crashing out to MTK Budapest in the next round.
