Celts must show no fear to secure long overdue win
Celtic didn’t win a Champions League game last season and lost this campaign’s opener to Feyenoord last month.
A victory is long overdue – and I expect them to get it on Wednesday at home to Lazio.
The Italian side will be good and will present danger to the Hoops. In Maurizio Sarri they have an outstanding coach and Ciro Immobile is a striker who can score in any company.
They have struggled in Serie A and have not recorded too many wins. Indeed, it is their worst start to a domestic season in two decades.
So, they will be dangerous and they will travel to Glasgow feeling they can win. However, Celtic must show no fear.
With the greatest of respect to Lazio, they are not in the very top tier of club sides. They are not near the level of Real Madrid or Manchester City.
That’s why I can see Celtic starting to change the tide of their results at home in the Champions League.
Brendan Rodgers and his players will have the benefit of almost 60,000 supporters willing them on.
I feel Celtic will dominate possession and control the tempo. Lazio will allow them the ball and it’s up to the Hoops to get into areas that will hurt the Italians.
With Gus Lagerbielke suspended, Nat Phillips may be called in to partner Liam Scales.
Nat hasn’t had much topteam football in the past few months but I’ve no doubts about his qualities. He will handle the occasion very well.
In the engine room, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley will all have vital roles to play. All three are operating together very nicely and can dictate proceedings in midweek. There is a lovely balance there and they can be the difference.
Reo and Matt have just signed new long-term contracts and they deserve their deals. They have both been excellent.
They will find a way to feed the wide areas and also link in the final third with Kyogo Furuhashi.
So, I’m expecting positive things from Celtic and a win will put them right into the mix.
Wednesday night can be a springboard for them to reach their goal of finishing in at least third place in their group.
However, Celts must be wary if they are holding on to a one-goal lead.
Remember, Lazio goalie Ivan Provedel is dangerous at setpieces after his headed goal in their opening game against Atletico Madrid.
He earned his side a 1-1 draw that night and will look to pop up again if required.
Goalkeeping has not been a problem for Rangers this season.
Jack Butland has been superb. He will have a major role to play on Thursday night in the Europa League game away to Aris Limassol.
The Cypriot side will be dangerous and they showed they have a bit about them in their opening game when they lost 3-2 away to Sparta Prague.
Michael Beale and his players got a hard job done last month with the excellent 1-0 win against Real Betis. They need to build on this on Thursday.
Coming home with a point would be more than acceptable. But, of course, a win would be even better.
They have many injuries, so they must have a plan to make sure they don’t lose.
They do not need to chase this game, they just need to be calm and focused and take their chances in front of goal.
For Aberdeen, they will look to get three points following their fine performance in Germany last month in the 2-1 defeat to
Eintracht Frankfurt. With the Dons support behind them, they will look to find a way to beat HJK Helsinki.
Barry Robson must be pleased to see Bojan Miovski and Duk hitting some form. They are exciting players and will get the home crowd on their feet. I feel they can inspire Aberdeen to a win to get them into the mix.
Let’s hope we can all be celebrating come the end of the week. It’s important that our clubs do well in Europe.
Lazio are not in the very top tier of club sides. They are not near the level of Real Madrid or Manchester City