In a high-stakes encounter on the Champions League stage, Celtic and Lazio are set to face off at Celtic Park, each hungry for their first Group E triumph.
The stakes are high after their divergent outcomes in the opening matchday.
Match Preview
During their previous Champions League match against Feyenoord, Celtic faltered in the second half, conceding a goal from a free kick just before halftime at Feyenoord’s De Kuip.
Reduced to nine men, they eventually lost 2-0 against the Dutch champions, showcasing their defensive vulnerabilities in Europe’s premier club competition.
Coach Brendan Rodgers emphasized the importance of home form to remain competitive in the knockout rounds.
Having struggled to secure victories in recent home matches, Celtic aims to break this streak and reclaim their dominance at Parkhead.
On the other side, last season’s Serie A runners-up, Lazio, exhibited remarkable resilience in their opening Group E fixture against Atletico Madrid.
Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel became the hero of the match, netting a dramatic late equalizer and extending Lazio’s unbeaten streak in the group phase.
However, Lazio faces challenges away from home, struggling to secure victories and grappling with domestic form.
The team is yet to find their footing this season, making this clash against Celtic a crucial opportunity for redemption.
Team News:
Celtic will miss key players Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm due to suspensions from their previous match.
Meanwhile, Lazio’s Alessio Romagnoli is expected to play wearing a protective mask despite sustaining a facial injury in a previous game.
Predicted Lineups:
Celtic:
Hart;
Johnston, Phillips, Scales, Taylor;
O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate;
Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma
Lazio:
Provedel; Marusic, Romagnoli, Casale, Hysaj;
Kamada, Vecino, Alberto;
Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni
Prediction:
In a tight contest, we predict Lazio to edge past Celtic with a 2-1 victory, breaking their winless streak against British sides in UEFA competitions.