UEFA Champions League: Celtic vs. Slovan Bratislava Match Preview

The UEFA Champions League continues with excitement as Celtic is set to face Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday, September 18 at 3 p.m. EST. This marks the initial phase in a new league format for the Champions League, featuring a shift from the traditional group stage to a league phase with 36 teams.

Under this new format, each team is scheduled to play eight matches against two teams from each of the four seeding groups. The top eight teams at the end of this stage will automatically advance to the Round of 16, while teams ranked from ninth to 24th will compete in playoffs for the remaining spots, with the lowest 12 teams being eliminated.

In their current league campaign, Celtic boasts a strong performance, having won their first five games in the Premiership. They are favorites in this mid-week encounter, especially as the home team. Slovan Bratislava, despite being unbeaten in six matches, faces a formidable challenge against Celtic.

The Champions League encounter can be viewed live in the United States via designated streaming platforms with certain broadcasters providing comprehensive coverage. As the first meeting between Celtic and Slovan Bratislava, it promises to be a captivating match.

For the match, Celtic has one injury concern with Maik Nawrocki likely sidelined due to a calf injury. Newcomer Arne Engels impressed during his debut and might secure a spot in the lineup again. Conversely, Slovan Bratislava will be without central defender Lukas Pauschek due to a shoulder injury.

Celtic’s anticipated starting lineup features Schmeichel as goalkeeper with Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, and Taylor in defense. The midfield may include Engels, McGregor, and Hatate, while Kuhn, Kyogo, and Maeda are expected to lead the forward line.

Slovan Bratislava’s lineup may see Takac as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Blackman, Kashia, Bajric, and Wimmer. Midfield options include Kucka, Szoke, and Tolic, with Barseghyan, Strelec, and Weiss Jr leading the attack.