When CELTIC welcomes Lazio to Parkhead on Wednesday for a Champions League matchup, they want to break a ten-year curse.
The Hoops haven’t triumphed at home in a group stage game since 2013 against Ajax, and even though they’ve previously defeated teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, Lyon, and Benfica, a victory at a venue that’s been painted as a fortress is long needed.
They have actually dropped seven out of nine of their home group stage games since that victory over Ajax, but they have a good opportunity of changing that on Wednesday when they take on a shaky Lazio team.
After Well qualified two minutes earlier, Brendan Rodgers’ team received the right lift when they won the game in dramatic fashion at Motherwell over the weekend.
Celtic must win after losing to Feyenoord in their debut match, when they had two players sent off, if they have any hopes of emerging from this group, or at the very least taking third place and qualifying for the Europa League.
However, Lazio seem to be a team in trouble. This season, they have dropped four of their first seven Serie A matches, prompting manager Maurizio Sarri to criticize the fixture list. The giants of Rome don’t seem to be in a good mood.
How the bookies view it
On their own field, Celtic are underdogs at 19/10 with bet365. Lazio is the favorite in this matchup at 11/8 with William Hill. With Paddy Power, the draw is 12/5. Recent head to heads
Four years ago, Celtic defeated Lazio 2-1 both at home and away when they faced off in the Europa League. Players to watch
Matt O’Riley, who will soon represent Denmark at the international level, scored his fifth goal of the season on Saturday to mark the beginning of a new four-year contract with Celtic. With UniBet, he has enticing odds of 6/1 to score whenever.
Due to a minor injury, Ciro Immobile was only named on the bench for Lazio’s 2-0 loss to AC Milan over the weekend, but he should be healthy enough to play on Wednesday. With bet365, the Italy star has a 7/5 chance of scoring at any point.
Anything else catch the eye?
A home Champions League matchup between Celtic and a disorganized Lazio team won’t provide them a better opportunity to prevail, and a victory would only serve to increase their displeasure.
The Hoops will play a team that won’t sit in for a change, which may be ideal for their creative players like Reo Hatate.
To outgun Lazio, support them.
In this game, goals ought to be scored. Liam Scales and Nat Phillips will likely form Celtic’s central defense duo, which raises questions. Celtic gives teams chances, which could result in goals. Bet on over 3.5 goals with William Hill at 2/1.
On October 4, 2023, at 20:00, Celtic and Lazio will meet in a UEFA Champions League encounter. View the best Celtic vs. Lazio prediction made by our tipsters below. For the most recent previews, you may also visit our dedicated betting previews area.
