Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas does not consider there is a incoming glory evening towards Champions League rivals RB Leipzig.
Group F is delicately poised, nonetheless, the pundit fears Parkhead punters should accept a goal-laden draw amid the absence of Callum McGregor. The skipper is about to be out till after the World Cup and Nicholas believes the tempo set by the person within the center is tough to copy with Matt O'Riley in line to land a deeper function. Aaron Mooy additionally eyeing a uncommon begin and Jota is dealing with a combat to be match.
Celtic know a win will breathe new life into their hopes of reaching the final 16 of the Champions League however are conscious about the menace Christopher Nkunku and Co possess after final week's sobering 3-1 defeat final week. Nicholas is predicting targets in a pulsating encounter however thinks the dearth of three factors will value Celtic a shot within the knockout stage.
Talking to the Categorical, he stated: "Nonetheless, the lack of captain Callum McGregor is such a significant blow.There is no such thing as a alternative as a result of he brings such totally different qualities to the crew. There's a rhythm and a fluency about his play and he protects the ball higher than anybody else. He's going to be sorely missed.
"Matt O'Riley was utilized in a deeper function at St Johnstone on Saturday however the stability is off with out McGregor and that is why I do not assume Celtic will take three factors from the Germans. Leipzig have harmful gamers up entrance with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, who's so fast, and Andre Silva. In addition they have intelligent midfield gamers however they're weak on the again, so it has all of the makings of being a very entertaining recreation.
"I would not be stunned if the attacking aptitude of every aspect and their defensive frailties even themselves up on the evening. That is why I am predicting a 2-2 draw - however a degree will not be sufficient for Celtic to take into their penultimate recreation towards Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnight. Whereas the Hoops can nonetheless land a Europa League last-32 spot by ending third."
And Nicholas does not maintain out a lot hope for Rangers towards toiling Liverpool. However he has urged the Ibrox aspect to go for broke on house turf.
He added: "I feel Rangers' hopes of that parachute place can be extinguished after tomorrow's recreation towards Liverpool at Ibrox. I simply can't see Giovanni van Bronchkhorst's aspect getting something from the Reds. With Serie A leaders Napoli and Dutch giants Ajax additionally within the part, there is not any doubt Rangers ended up within the group of dying. As quickly because the draw was made I felt there was solely a really slight probability of ending third at greatest. The Ibrox males should take at the least a degree tomorrow if they're to have any hopes of remaining in Europe past Christmas. Rangers might want to have a go in entrance of their very own followers however that can simply invite Jurgen Klopp's aspect to select them off. Nonetheless, they may as nicely be daring and lose 3-1 or 4-1 somewhat be as tame as they had been at Anfield final week."
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