Celtic FC Faces Crucial Champions League Test Against RB Leipzig

Celtic FC is set to host RB Leipzig in a pivotal Champions League match at Parkhead on Tuesday, November 5. This encounter is critical for both teams, especially given their current standings in the competition. Celtic, managed by Brendan Rodgers, is aiming to secure their third consecutive home win in the Champions League, a feat they last achieved in 2007.

The Hoops have gathered four points from their opening three matches, a respectable tally considering the tough opposition they have faced. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a significant concern, having conceded 55 goals in their last 23 European matches and failing to secure a clean sheet in 22 of those games.

RB Leipzig, on the other hand, is desperate for a win after losing their first three Champions League matches. The German side, currently second in the Bundesliga, views this match as a must-win to keep their Champions League campaign alive. Despite their strong domestic form, Leipzig has struggled away from home in the Champions League, losing six of their last eight outings.

Celtic’s predicted lineup includes Kasper Schmeichel in goal, with a defensive quartet of Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, and Taylor. In the attack, Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn are expected to lead the charge alongside Daizen Maeda. RB Leipzig will be without key players such as Xavi Simons, David Raum, Xaver Schlager, and Castello Lukeba due to injuries, but will rely on the strike partnership of Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko to test Celtic’s defense.

Brendan Rodgers emphasized the importance of this match, stating that every Champions League game is like a cup final for Celtic. He highlighted the need for his team to be near perfect to achieve a big result and praised the team’s improvement and resilience.

The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+ in the UK, and on Paramount+ in the USA. The kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

The stakes are high, not just for the match outcome but also for Celtic’s fans, who have been warned about the use of pyrotechnics. Any further incidents could result in severe penalties, including a prohibition on ticket sales for their subsequent away game against Dinamo Zagreb.

Given the urgency and talent on both sides, this match promises to be an intense and closely contested affair, with Celtic aiming to maintain their home form and RB Leipzig fighting to stay in the Champions League race.