Charlie Nicholas has given his opinion on how both Celtic and theRangers will do in Europe this week. The former Celtic striker’s views are certainly rather gloomy but he still has hope for the Hoops to get some sort of European success this season.
Celtic will host RB Leipzig at Paradise tonight looking to reverse the defeat in Germany last Wednesday that left the Bhoys with just one point after three matches and bottom of Group F. However, a win tonight could see the Hoops leap up to third, or even second place, depending on the score in the other match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Group leaders and current European Champions Real Madrid.
With the injuries stacking up in Ange Postecoglou’s side, significantly with the absence of skipper Callum McGregor and the potential loss of Jota, Nicholas doubts whether Celtic will have the remaining firepower to seize all the points tonight against our Bundesliga opponents.
Writing in the weekly newspaper column in Daily Express Nicholas stated: “Celtic and (the)Rangers are about to play defining matches in their Champions League sections and I expect both teams to fail over the next two days.
“Ange Postecoglou’s side need to beat RB Leipzig at Parkhead tonight to put themselves in contention to get the last-16 place for finishing second in Group F. However, the loss of captain Callum McGregor is such a major blow. There is no replacement because he brings such different qualities to the team.” Ange Postecoglou might be thinking differently Charlie and expect to see Matt O’Riley excelling in the number six role this evening.
“There is a rhythm and a fluency about his play and he protects the ball better than anyone else. He is going to be sorely missed. Matt O’Riley was used in a deeper role at St Johnstone on Saturday but the balance is off without McGregor and that’s why I don’t think Celtic will take three points from the Germans.
“Leipzig have dangerous players up front with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, who is so quick, and Andre Silva. They also have clever midfield players but they are vulnerable at the back, so it has all the makings of being a really entertaining game. I wouldn’t be surprised if the attacking flair of each side and their defensive frailties even themselves up on the night.
“That’s why I’m predicting a 2-2 draw – but a point won’t be enough for Celtic to take into their penultimate game against Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnight.”
The Celtic legend finished with his thoughts on where Celtic may end up in Europe and how theRangers will fare against Liverpool at Ibrox. He continues…
“While the Hoops can still land a Europa League last-32 spot by finishing third, I think (the)Rangers’ hopes of that parachute place will be extinguished after tomorrow’s game against Liverpool at Ibrox. I just can’t see Giovanni van Bronchkhorst’s side getting anything from the Reds. With Serie A leaders Napoli and Dutch giants Ajax also in the section, there’s no doubt (the)Rangers ended up in the group of death.”
