Celtic v Bayer Leverkusen predictions: German giants could prove too strong
Injury-hit Bhoys look up against it
Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Celtic v Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League on Thursday
Where to watch
BT Sport 3, 8pm Thursday
Best bet
Leverkusen
1pt 19-20 Betfred
Team news
Celtic
James McCarthy (knock) and Josip Juranovic (hamstring) were forced off at the weekend and join a number of Hoops players on the sidelines.
Leverkusen
Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Julian Baumgartlinger (both knee), Edmond Tapsoba, Exequiel Palacios (both ankle) and Niklas Lomb (finger) are sidelined.
Match preview
Celtic were left cursing their luck after hitting the woodwork three times during Sunday's 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United but their problems could mount with a Europa League loss to Leverkusen in Glasgow.
Bhoys' manager Ange Postecoglu has called for calm among the Celtic supporters and insisted that there is plenty of time for his sixth-placed side to bridge the six-point gap to Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers.
However, the Australian needs to find more immediate answers in the Europa League because a loss to Leverkusen could leave his team six points behind the top two with four games left to play.
Postecoglu's side got off to a flyer in their matchday one clash at Betis – taking a 2-0 lead inside 27 minutes – but ended up losing 4-3 and returned to Glasgow with a feeling that they had wasted a glorious opportunity.
Betis went into the game with just one victory in their previous four league games and looked like a side lacking in confidence, but a sterner test can be expected from Leverkusen, who are second in the Bundesliga with 13 points from six games.
Leverkusen are responding well to new manager Gerardo Seoane – the man responsible for leading Young Boys to the Swiss title last season – and have the benefit of facing a Celtic team beset by injuries.
As many as nine senior Celtic players could be absent and the Scottish team's problems are playing into the hands of Leverkusen, who should build on their 2-1 matchday one success at home to Ferencvaros.
Key stat
Leverkusen have won five of their last six matches.
Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits
Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Today's top sports betting stories
Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport
Published on inEuropa League
Last updated
Copy