Celtic will take on Braga in the Europa League on Thursday, 2 October, with the hosts looking for their first win of the league phase.
Brendan Rodgers' men drew their opening match of the competition away in Belgrade but will feel they have what it takes to get the three points on Thursday.
It won't be easy, though, as Braga are already on three points following their opening week victory over Feyenoord.
As part of this week's round of Europa League betting tips, check out our Celtic vs Braga prediction below.
Contents
Key Stats
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in every European match Celtic have played this season.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Celtic's last six matches.
- Celtic have drawn four of their last six matches in all competitions
Correct score prediction: Celtic 1-1 Braga
These two teams are evenly matched on paper, but neither of them have brilliant form coming into the match. Draws have been more common than usual for both teams, and we are struggling to separate them.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic start as favourites
- HOME: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.3%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Celtic vs Braga odds are weighted in favour of the home team, with the bookies clearly feeling that home advantage could be key. Ladbrokes have given Celtic a 51.3% chance of winning the match, while Braga have been given a 27% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Home advantage is key
These two teams have only played against each other on two previous occasions, and in both of those matches, the team playing at home came out on top. The two matches took place during Champions League qualifying in 2010, with Braga winning 3-0 in Portugal and Celtic winning 2-1 in Scotland.
Celtic preview: Trio out
Celtic will remain without Alistair Johnson, Jota and Auston Trusty for the match against Braga, with all three men ruled out due to lingering injury concerns, with Jota's the most severe. In better news, Anthony Ralston is back fit and should start at right-back for the Bhoys.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, Nygren, McGregor, Hatate, Hyun-Jun, Maeda, Tounekti
Last five results
- Celtic 0-0 Hibernian
- Red Star 1-1 Celtic
- Partick Thistle 0-4 Celtic
- Kilmarnock 1-2 Celtic
- Rangers 0-0 Celtic
Braga preview: Two absaentees
Braga will be without two key players for the trip to Celtic Park, with Mario Dorgeles and Jonatas Noro both struggling with minor injuries. If the visitors are to get something from the match, then you feel Rodrigo Zalazar will have to play a key role in midfield.
Predicted lineup: Hornicek (GK), Lagerbielke, Niakate, Arrey-Mbi; Gomez, Moscardo, Moutinho, Lelo; Zalazar, Navarro, Horta
Last five results
- Braga 0-1 Nacional
- Braga 1-0 Feyenoord
- Guimaraes 1-1 Braga
- Braga 0-1 Gil Vicente
- Rio Ave 2-2 Braga
Player to watch: Daizen Maeda
After a slow start to the season, a big European night at Celtic Park could be just what he needs to get himself back in form and among the goals. With Maeda misfiring, the Bhoys certainly lack a bit of something at the top of the pitch, so Rodgers will be desperate to see him return to his usual levels as soon as possible.