The strains of Zadok the Priest will reverberate around Celtic Park on Tuesday evening as the famous and cavernous stadium in Glasgow’s East End prepares to roar into action again.
But will the Last Rites be given to Celtic’s Champions League hopes by the end of it or will fresh life be breathed into their Group F campaign? Certainly, Ange Postecoglou’s side could do with a win over RB Leipzig. That would get their qualification hopes for the knockout stages bang back on track. A draw would be no disaster either but defeat is something the manager cannot countenance.
Celtic – who are at 2/1 for the win with Betway – were outgunned in Germany last week but they will believe they’re a different animal at home. With 60,000 fans making the kind of noise that should make ear defenders mandatory, Postecoglou’s players will be compelled to find that extra particle of energy in their legs. It promises to be another magical night of action.
So with the talking over and the stage set, here is how our sportswriters feel the game will pan out this evening...
Keith Jackson
This one feels like a big ask for a Celtic side which is not only depleted but also searching for top form. Leipzig’s front four were too hot to handle last week in Germany and will carry a huge threat once again on the counter attack in Glasgow. Celtic will give them a game but it could be another painful 90 minutes.
Celtic 1 RB Leipzig 2
Michael Gannon
RB Leipzig are a slick outfit and Celtic have some issues right now with fitness and form. It could be another one of those nights that shreds the nerves with chances at both ends. A point wouldn’t be a disaster.
Celtic 2 RB Leipzig 2
Andy Newport
Callum McGregor was at fault for Leipzig’s opener last week but without the now-injured skipper, Celtic have lost a major source of composure in the middle of the park and you can bet that’s where the German side will look to exploit.
Celtic 1 RB Leipzig 2
Gavin Berry
Strap yourself in for another thrilling encounter like the first meeting as these sides don’t know how to play any other way than to go all out. The home crowd is an obvious factor but the loss of Callum McGregor is a huge blow for the Scottish champions and the Germans have enough quality to get a point.
Celtic 2 RB Leipzig 2
Graeme Young
Celtic have clearly not been at their rampaging best in recent games but Ange Postecoglou’s entertainers will likely be rewarded for their attacking intent at the top level soon. Leipzig are dangerous as a counter puncher but it’s high time Celtic landed a few haymakers en route to a game-changing Champions League win.
Celtic 3 RB Leipzig 1
What's your prediction for tonight's game?
Let us know in the comments section below...
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