Celtic will welcome Lazio to Celtic Park on Wednesday for a Group E UEFA Champions League clash. The two sides go head-to-head looking for their first win in the Champions League this season. The clash on Wednesday will kick off at 19:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Can Celtic impose Themselves in a Champions League Clash Against Lazio and Get A Win?
Celtic warmed up for the home clash against Lazio on Wednesday with a 1-2 win away to Motherwell. The dominant display at Motherwell marked yet another win for Celtic as they have started their Scottish Premiership season in brilliant form.
However, they need to parlay their domestic brilliance to some semblance of authority and performance in Europe. Last time out in Group E, away to Feyenoord, Celtic lost 2-0.
The defeat was compounded with the red cards to Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm, who will miss the match against Lazio.
The clash on Wednesday presents a good opportunity for Celtic, playing at home, to get the crowd going and generate a good atmosphere to impose their game on Lazio.
They are playing the Serie A side at a time when they are at a low ebb, which means the Scottish side has a chance to get a win.
Bet hereWill Lazio’s Domestic Slump Affect Their Performance in Europe?
Lazio warmed up for the trip to Celtic Park on Wednesday with a 2-0 defeat away at the San Siro against AC Milan. The loss was their fourth in seven matches, as their poor start to the Serie A campaign continued.
Lazio have won just twice in the opening seven rounds of fixtures. They have drawn once and lost four times. They have collected 7 points and sit 14th on the table, 6 points removed from the top-four places.
After opening their Serie A season with two consecutive losses, Lazio have experienced some upturn in form, winning twice and drawing once in their last five outings. However, their current form is up and down and lacks the consistency they need to climb the table.
Lazio have experienced challenges in bolstering their potency in their attacking phase. They have managed to score just 7 goals in 7 matches while conceding 10 times in this run. These numbers show that they struggle to score goals while having difficulty keeping clean sheets.
Lazio will need to improve their solidity and compactness ahead of visiting Celtic Park on Wednesday.
Injury Report
Celtic
Celtic will be without center-back Stephen Welsh, recovering from an ankle injury he suffered on August 21, 2023. The 23-year-old defender is expected to be back in action toward the end of December.
Another center-back, Cameron Carter-Vickers, has been struggling with a hamstring injury since August 19th.
Celtic will also miss eight winger Liel Abada, with the 21-year-old sidelined with a thigh muscle rupture.
Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm are suspended for the clash against Lazio.
Lazio
Maurizio Sarri’s side will be without right winger Cristiano Lombardi. The 28-year-old is sidelined with an unknown injury.
Possible Lineups
Celtic
S. Bain; G. Taylor, L. Scales, N. Philips, A. Johnston; R. Hatate, C. McGregor, M. O’Riley; D. Meeda, K. Furuhashi, H. J. Yang
Lazio
I. Provedel; E. Hysaj, A. Ramagnoli, N. Casale, A. Marusic; L. Alberto, N. Rovella, M. Guendouzi; M. Zaccagni, V. Castellanos, F. Anderson
Prediction
Celtic will look to play on the front foot and dominate the ball. Sarri’s Lazio will also bid to dominate the ball, pass from the back, and press across the pitch.
Celtic will have enough, playing at Celtic Park, to control the match and grab the goal(s) they need to emerge victorious in this match.
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