Celtic host Bayern Munich in a Champions League last 24 match that could hold upset potential for the German giants.
By Graham Ruthven
A long time coming
It’s been 12 years since Celtic Park last hosted a Champions League knockout tie. That in itself makes Wednesday’s match between the Scottish champions and Bayern Munich an historic one.
The German giants are firm favourites to win the tie over two legs. However, Celtic could be set up to give them a scare such is their threat in quick transition. Brendan Rodgers’ team could benefit from the tactical match-up.
Only Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund scored more goals than Bayern in the league phase. They have the highest Expected Goals (22.5) in the competition and have created the most Big Chances (41).
If, however, Celtic can find a way to stay compact at the back, their speed in attack through the likes of Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kühn could give them threat on the counter-attack.
Celtic have already beaten one Bundesliga team in this season’s Champions League, sweeping aside RB Leipzig in November. The Hoops will need to find similar performance levels to get the better of Bayern Munich.
Key players
Maeda’s pace will be key to Celtic’s game plan against Bayern Munich with the Japanese forward available to play on Wednesday after his suspension for a red card against Young Boys was downgraded to just one match from two.
Rodgers faces a decision between Kühn and Filipe Jota on the wing with Adam Idah expected to start through the middle having scored twice in Celtic’s last Champions League match against Aston Villa.
Defensively, Kasper Schmeichel will likely need to find his best form to keep out the formidable Bayern forward line with Cameron Carter-Vickers also key to the Hoops’ defensive game plan.
Harry Kane will lead the line for the visitors to the east end of Glasgow. The England international has notched six goals in seven Champions League games this season and will be a threat inside the penalty box.
Jamal Musiala will be a danger in between the lines with Kingsley Coman and Michael Olise predicted to start on the wings. Leroy Sané scored against Werder Bremen on Friday and could start, but Vincent Kompany may also use him off the bench against tired legs.
Kim Min-Jae and Dayot Upamecano will have their hands full against an energetic Celtic attack. Considering their previous struggles against opponents that play in quick transition, this could be a key battle.
Team news
The reduction of Maeda’s suspension means he will be free to face Bayern Munich. James Forrest, however, will miss the match with a foot injury that will keep him out until the end of the month. Otherwise, Rodgers has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Alphonso Davies and João Palhinha will be assessed before Wednesday’s match as both are carrying knocks. Davies’ absence would see Raphaël Guerreiro fill in at left back for the Bundesliga table-toppers.
Prediction
The Celtic Park faithful have waited a long time for Champions League knockout football, and they deserve a goal for their patience. That being said, they might not get the result on the night, but our prediction of a 2-1 away win for Bayern would at least mean Celtic are still in the tie when it comes to next week’s return leg.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.