Chelsea and Celtic clash in a friendly match in Indiana on Saturday. Our Chelsea vs Celtic prediction considers whether the Blues can claim a first pre-season win.
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Chelsea vs Celtic prediction: High scoring draw in Notre Dame
Key stats
- Our Chelsea vs Celtic betting tips take into account that both teams have scored in each of the last four Chelsea fixtures including friendlies and competitive games.
- Celtic’s pre-season games so far average 5.75 goals per 90 minutes.
- The Scottish champions have scored at least once in all of their last 16 games including friendlies.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 3-3 Celtic
Everything points to this being a high-scoring affair. Celtic were involved in a seven goal thriller against Manchester City in midweek and look more than willing to take the game to Premier League opponents while Enzo Maresca is also clearly eager to get his team playing on the front foot.
For more of the latest football picks, our free betting tips feature some of the best options from this week’s action.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting in two decades
Our Chelsea vs Celtic prediction suggests this should be a good one as the clubs meet for the first time since two friendlies in the mid 2000’s. Those resulted in a 1-1 draw and 4-2 Chelsea win in Seattle with Mateja Kezman scoring twice.
Chelsea preview: Maresca in experimentation mode
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is still getting to know his squad and is likely to make changes from the 2-2 draw with Wrexham. The Blues are still missing some players who are yet to return from international duty such as Conor Gallagher, Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.
Predicted Lineup: Sanchez (GK), Colwill, Badiashile, Fofana, Chilwell, Lavia, James, Chukwuemeka, Sterling, Nkunku & Madueke
England Premier League 11/05/25
L Newcastle 2 Chelsea 0 UEFA Conference League 08/05/25
W Djurgarden 0 Chelsea 1 England Premier League 04/05/25
W Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3 UEFA Conference League 01/05/25
W Djurgarden 1 Chelsea 4 England Premier League 26/04/25
W Everton 0 Chelsea 1
Celtic preview: Schmeichel to start again?
Kasper Schmeichel made his Celtic debut in the friendly win over Man City and is likely to keep his place. Light changes are possible for the Hoops who are without Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston following their international commitments.
Predicted Lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Taylor, Welsh, Scales, Anderson, Iwata, Hatate, O'Riley, Kuhn, Furuhashi & Palma
Scotland Premiership 10/05/25
W Hibernian 1 Celtic 3 Scotland Premiership 04/05/25
D Rangers 1 Celtic 1 Scotland Premiership 26/04/25
W Dundee Utd 0 Celtic 5 Scotland FA Cup 20/04/25
W St Johnstone 0 Celtic 5 Scotland Premiership 12/04/25
W Kilmarnock 1 Celtic 5
Player to watch – Reece James
There was a surprise in Chelsea’s opening pre-season game as Reece James took up a host of central positions. The 24-year-old is hoping to stay fit and have a big season after only managing five Premier League starts last term.
James’ tale of injury woe
After scoring five and assisting nine in the 2021/22 Premier League, the world appeared to be at the feet of Reece James, but he’s struggled with injuries ever since. Having averaged just 13 appearances per season in the league over the past two campaigns, he’ll be hoping the arrival of Maresca and perhaps a new role can spark an upturn in his fortunes.