Some of The Celtic Star writers have given their predictions ahead of tonight’s must-win Europa League encounter against FC Utrecht at Celtic Park…
Celtic’s European campaign continues with a home meeting against Dutch strugglers FC Utrecht. The clash represents the Hoops’ final fixture of the league phase in the Europa League, with qualification firmly within reach.
Sitting in the last of the automatic progression places, Martin O’Neill’s side know that a positive result would secure their passage to the next round, and they go into the contest as clear favourites.
Celtic go into the game with Reo Hatate unavailable following his red card in Bologna last week. Marcelo Saracchi and Kelechi Iheanacho were back in full training and could be in contention to play a part.
Celtic’s only two January signings Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara are also not eligible to play due to UEFA squad restrictions.
With all that in mind, here are The Celtic Star writers predictions:
Liam Kelly: Celtic 1-0 FC Utrecht
Celtic will always be in control but unimpressive. A win that is needed to keep positive results going and avoid destroying confidence ahead of crucial league games.
David Faulds: Celtic 2-0 FC Utrecht
A reaction to Tynecastle frustration as Martin O’Neill gets the Bhoys over the line in the Europa League to set up what should be a fairly glamorous playoff tie. Goals from Engels and Yang takes us through despite Barkas having a great match for FC Utrecht.
Just An Ordinary Bhoy: Celtic 2-1 FC Utrecht
A 2-1 uninspiring Celtic win. Expect Celtic time and time again let down by poor finishing, and several great stops from Barkas in the Utrecht goal – that is a formality.
Eddie Murray: Celtic 3-1 FC Utrecht
3-1 Celtic in a European Masterclass – Maeda and Yang routing the Utrecht backline. The result will give Martin O’Neill’s men a real bounce heading into Sunday.
Conall McGinty: Celtic 2-1 FC Utrecht
A Celtic team who fails to ignite after two tough games and a Utrecht team who go through the motions and are clearly more concerned about domestic matters than this tie leads to a poor game overall. Celtic go in at half time 2-0 up before losing a goal in the second half to set up a needlessly tense end to the game.
Lubo98: Celtic 2-0 FC Utrecht
Uninspiring but competent, expecting a 2-0 win. It’ll be tense though.
Jessica Elliott: Celtic 2-0 FC Utrecht
Expecting Celtic to go through quite comfortably. 2-0 Celtic.
Conor Spence: Celtic 4-0 FC Utrecht
This will be Celtic’s best performance of the season. FC Utrecht have had an awful campaign both domestically and in Europe. Barkas is their goalkeeper, so every shot on target should go in the net. Martin O’Neill’s men will resoundingly go through and keep the Istanbul dream alive…
Give us your score predictions and how you see the match going in the comments section below…
Conor Spence
And a quick reminder…
It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop
All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?
