Celtic will be hoping their fine recent European home record comes to the fore again when they host Braga in a UEFA Europa League (UEL) clash in Glasgow.
Match News and Current Form
The Hoops made a frustrating start to their UEL campaign, playing out a 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade after surrendering a second-half lead. That was the first of back-to-back competitive draws, as Hearts opened up a gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership in one of Europe’s most surprising early-season title races. Navigating the UEL league phase will be a minimum expectation for Celtic, and they will be relying on their home form to do that, after losing just one of their previous eight such games across all European competitions (W4, D3).
Domestically, Braga are outside of the European places after seven games, although they do sit above Celtic in the Europa League after winning their opening day clash 1-0 against Feyenoord. That’s a great start for Braga, who are out for revenge this season after suffering the ignominy of a league phase elimination in last season’s Europa League, where they picked up just one of a possible 12 points away from home (D1, L3). The weight of expectation lies heavy on Braga's shoulders this time around, as they are yet to lose in competitive away action this season (W3, D3).
Head-to-Head History
These sides previously met in the 2010/11 Champions League qualifiers, when Celtic won 2-1 at home but ultimately lost 4-2 on aggregate to Braga. Overall, Celtic’s record against Portuguese clubs reads W12, D3, L8. Meanwhile, Braga’s return against Scottish opposition is a modest W2, D1, L5.
Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Celtic’s last 17 home games in the UEL have ended level (W9, L8).
Six of Celtic’s last eight UEL home games were settled with 2+ goal margins.
Braga have failed to keep a clean sheet across their last seven UEL away games (W1, D2, L4).
Braga have failed to win eight of their last ten away games in the UEL group/league phase (D2, L6).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren enters this match in fine fettle after making three assists across his last three competitive appearances, with the winger also scoring decisive match openers twice this season. Fran Navarro also scored decisively late in the day in Braga’s UEL opener, which was his second European appearance of the season that saw him net the game’s only goal.
Auston Trusty continues to be a doubt as part of a lengthy injury list for Celtic, while Braga will continue in the absence of Jonatás Noro.
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Betting Analysis
We’re backing a draw here between two tough sides who will likely barely give an inch to one another in their respective quests for progression.
Author: Matthew Billon