Sizzling Salzburg could make it a nervy night for Celtic in the Europa League

Group B
BT Sport 3, 8pm Thursday

Celtic need only a point to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League but it could be a nervy night for the Parkhead faithful against sizzling Salzburg.

The ace Austrian champions have already made it through to the last 32, hence bookmakers rating Celtic favourites, but if Salzburg turn up with the right intention it will prove to be a tough test as the visitors have a 100 per cent record in this season's competition.

Salzburg's attitude has to be taken on trust but Tuesday's Champions League games showed how the 'must-win' factor can be overplayed.

Tottenham could not beat Barcelona, nor could Inter overcome PSV despite both teams being desperate for the points. Porto had already topped the group yet still won at Galatasaray which was an even better example for this contest as the extra quality told even though it was the Turks who had the greater need of the points.

Salzburg are 14 points clear at the top of the Austrian league so hardly need to concern themselves with domestic matters and there is also the small matter of Red Bull's involvement.

Leipzig are the side who could benefit from a Salzburg success – that's the same Leipzig who are run by Red Bull.

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Salzburg are also owned by the energy drink company and, while the fans of the Austrian club don't overly enjoy the link, it won't do coach Marco Rose's chances of a promotion any harm if he can help out Leipzig.

Celtic's home record is worthy of respect but Salzburg won the reverse fixture 3-1 and the shot count was 25-4 which shows how dominant they were, even allowing for James Forrest's late red card.

Recommendation
Salzburg draw no bet
1pt 11-10 bet365

Team news
Celtic
Influential centre-back Dedryck Boyata is injured. Striker Leigh Griffiths is taking a break from football for personal reasons.

Salzburg
Excellent midfielder Amadou Haidara is out with a knee injury, while Jasper van der Werff and Reinhold Yabo are also injured. Xaver Schlager is suspended.

Key stat
Celtic are unbeaten in seven home European games.

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