Obviously the main thing for Celtic was to find a way through their Europa League group, but it’s starting to look like that seeded position for winning the group is especially valuable.
It’s not to say that Copenhagen should be taken lightly, but clearly there were tougher draws out there, and the Danish side don’t look to be in the best shape.
They’ve lost their last two games and sit seven points away from the top of the league. They’ve also just sold their top scorer, so you have to think that this tie is there for the taking.
READ MORE: Copenhagen Fear Edouard and eye a goalless draw to take to Celtic Park
The Daily Record reported on some comments made by former Celt Marc Reiper about what they need to do to win, and it sounds like shackling a 34 year old striker is the key.
Any fans of the Premier League may remember Dame N’Doye for a brief spell at Hull City, but his most prolific years have come for Copenhagen and nine goals in fifteen games this season shows he’s still a threat despite his age.
Speaking about the striker, Reiper said:
“If N’Doye’s on fire he’s so good. He’s one of the best strikers ever to play football in Denmark. He left Copenhagen for a couple of years but came back and has been fantastic.”
“He’s a big guy who can hold the ball up and score from any area. He’s a good player who works so hard for the team.”
“If Celtic can keep him quiet it will be key for them in this tie. If they can do it Celtic will have a very good chance of progressing. If they can’t cope with N’Doye they will struggle.”
“Copenhagen have good players as well to provide him, just like Celtic with the service they get to Odsonne Edouard.”
It sounds like it could be a physical battle, but as long as Jullien and Ajer go into the game feeling confident then they should have enough to deal with him.
It’s also worth noting that Denmark are coming out of their winter break, so there could be some rustiness for them to knock off.
Celtic weren’t at their best against Aberdeen but the conditions were atrocious, so if they can turn up and play well from the start, there’s every chance they can catch their opponents off guard and get an early goal or two.
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