Celtic v RB Leipzig Betting Tip Celtic – 8 November 2018

Celtic can grab much needed win

Europa League Tips

Thursday 8th November 2000hrs Celtic v RB Leipzig United Football – Europe – Europa League Its make or break for the home team on Thursday night as they have to win against their Bundesliga opponents to have any realistic hope of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Europa League. A 2-0 loss in Germany a fortnight ago has left them trailing their opponents by three points and they have to make home advantage count on Thursday. It’s got all the makings of being a classic night under the lights at Celtic Park – continue reading for a match preview as Celtic face RB Leipzig with a best betting tip selected.

It’s been two testing European away trips in a row for Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic players – both coming against the Red Bull clubs. A 3-1 defeat in Salzburg was followed by a 2-0 reverse against Leipzig in the first of their double header against that opponent. On both occasions Celtic started the game relatively well (indeed they led in Salzburg) before capitulating once the first goal was conceded. It’s an all too common trait in Celtic games away from home on the continent and strikes you as being a mentality issue more than anything. The Hoops will have to find a solution for it but Rodgers will be hoping that a return to home comforts can see them get back to winning ways having opened their Europa League group campaign in Glasgow with a victory over Rosenborg. Leipzig are without doubt a step up in quality compared to the Norwegians but this is the best form of Celtic’s season currently having swept aside all commers in Scotland. They remain without a number of key players due to injury but James Forrest returns from suspension for this one and having won the Scottish Player of the Month award for October, the wide player will be relishing this opportunity to shine on the European stage.

Leipzig didn’t have to be at their best to take all three points at home two weeks ago but it has put them into a dominant position in Group B and they travel to Glasgow knowing that another win would put them within touching distance of the next stage – they could even clinch it depending on results elsewhere. The coach, Ralph Rangnick, has elected to rotate hi squad throughout the competition and it’s likely he’ll do so again – and you can’t really blame him as it is working for them. Since losing at home to Salzburg back in September, Leipzig have went unbeaten in their next 10 games, winning seven of them and keeping clean sheets in their last five matches. It’s a great run of form both domestically and in Europe but there is work still to be done. The Germans will contest this game without the services of Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen who have been ruled out through injury but such is the depth of their squad these days that they are able to replace them with proper quality who will be hoping the Celtic defenders are as generous as they were in the first match between these two.

Celtic v RB Leipzig Betting Tip

Celtic had their chances to take the lead in Germany a couple of weeks ago but they failed to do so and some shambolic defending for both goals confined them to another away European defeat. Rodgers has challenged his players to go all out for the win that would keep them well in the hunt to finish second and display the same confidence, attacking intent and defensive solidity that have been prevalent in their domestic performances of late. Leipzig have been very good domestically themselves and have won both Bundesliga games since their home game with Celtic, winning both by an aggregate of 5-0 – so the visitors will definitely not lack confidence and will also be backed by over two thousand of their supporters.

It’s a game that Celtic have to win if they are to be playing European football beyond Christmas and a defeat would essentially see them eliminated which highlights how delicate their situation is coming into this one. The 5-0 thrashing of Hearts at the weekend was their performance of the campaign and if they can take that belief into tomorrow’s game then they stand a great chance but the individual errors and poor decision making in defence has to stop. There has been talk in the build up to this one about the need to match or better the result from the first leg so they have an advantage in the head to head against Leipzig but the players’ focus will be only on the win and I’m backing them to get it in what can be a really special European night at Celtic Park.

Selection: 61/20 @ Marathon Bet