Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas believes that the return match against RB Leipzig will finish in a draw.
Having already went up against all three sides in the group, the second half of games present Celtic with a huge opportunity to show they belong at this level of football.
The Scottish champions head into the match without their captain Callum McGregor which is the main reason why Nicholas believes that Celtic won’t be able to overcome the German side.
After going behind in the game on matchday three, Ange Postecoglou’s side rallied after the second half kicked off and immediately pulled themselves level when Jota stuck the ball past Janis Blaswich.
McGregor was subbed off during the 3-1 defeat in Germany last week with an injury to his knee and is not likely to return before the World Cup with Nicholas not having confidence in the squad.
Oliver Abildgaard replaced McGregor in the match last week and may make his first start at Celtic Park with Aaron Mooy also able to slot into the position.
Matt O’Riley was used as a deeper lying midfielder at the weekend but the former Arsenal star believes it takes a shine off his game when he isn’t in a more advanced role.
“Celtic stumbled again a bit at the weekend. They are starting to make mistakes more regularly and they got out of jail at Perth with that late winner. Christopher Nkunku is so quick and Andre Silva is very good up front so it’s a dangerous one for Ange,” wrote Charlie Nicholas in his Scottish Daily Express Column.Â
“I think Leipzig have some clever and influential midfield players too but I also think they are vulnerable at the back so it has all the makings of being a really entertaining game. I know that Postecoglou will be in the front foot and will take the game to the Germans but equally Marco Rose will feel if he can win, it puts them in pole position for second place.
“My fear is that the attacking flair of each side and their defensive frailties will even themselves up and I’m looking at a 2-2 draw here – and that won’t suit Celtic. The crucial aspect is that they have lost Callum McGregor and that’s such a major blow. There is no replacement because he brings such different qualities to the team.
“There is a rhythm and a fluency about his play and he protects the ball better than anyone else. He is going to be sorely missed. Ange played Matt O’Riley deeper on Saturday and he ended up using about six different midfielders in the match – and I still think James McCarthy and Aaron Mooy are off the pace.
“We know Reo Hatate will get forward but I just feel the balance is off with McGregor out of the team and that’s why I don’t think there will be a Celtic victory.”
A draw doesn’t suit Celtic who will be hoping for revenge after last week’s display and to prove that the side is up to Champions League level.
