Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava Prediction 18 Sep 2024

⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 18 Sep 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Celtic Park (Glasgow)

Celtic begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in the newly formatted league phase with a home game, aiming to rekindle their European glory from 1966/67. This opening match is against Slovan Bratislava, considered one of the weaker teams in the group, making it crucial for Celtic to secure a victory if they want to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since 2012/13. Although Celtic have started the Scottish Premiership in blistering form, winning all five matches without conceding, their UCL history is less favorable. The Scottish giants have never won their opening match in a UCL group stage (D2, L10), and they’ve managed only one win in their last 13 home group-stage games (D3, L9), leaving manager Brendan Rodgers with much to ponder.

Slovan Bratislava, on the other hand, come into this game as underdogs but with a solid domestic record, sitting at the top of the Slovak Super Liga after six games (W5, L1). They will be eager to upset the odds in their first-ever UCL group-stage appearance. Though Slovan’s record against British teams is poor (D2, L7 since 1975), their recent European form on the road is respectable, with only two losses in their last seven away matches (excluding qualifiers). They’ll aim to make a statement in this historic group-stage debut.

Where to watch Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava?

📺 Link to watch Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Celtic's Callum McGregor has been a key player this season, scoring three goals in five league games, and all four of his European group-stage goals have come at home. For Slovan, Tigran Barseghyan stands out, having already netted eight goals this season, with four of them proving decisive in victories.

⚡️ Match Facts: Celtic’s last ten UCL matches have averaged 3.4 goals per game, setting the stage for a high-scoring contest.

💡 Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava Prediction

Celtic will look to dominate proceedings at home, buoyed by their impressive domestic form, but their poor UCL home record in recent years is a concern. Slovan Bratislava will likely sit deep and hit on the counter, with hopes of frustrating their hosts. Expect Celtic to push hard for a win, but it could be closer than expected.

Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava Betting Tips

• Tip 1: Celtic to win
• Tip 2: Both teams to score
• Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals in the match