Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Celtic
Match Time & Date:
18/07/2018
02:45 PM
Prediction: 2-0
Alashkert
As expected, Celtic defeated Alashkert in the first leg of the Champions League 1st qualifying round. The Hoops are on a quest to defend their three-goal lead, but, no doubt, they will give 100% to record a win in their first official home game of the season. French rising star Odsonne Edouard, who found the net in the 3-0 win over Alashkert, is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back-line once again. Over the years Brendan Rodgers’ men have turned their Celtic Park into a real fortress and there is every chance the Scottish champions will give fans yet another reason for celebration on Wednesday evening. The Armenian side, on the other hand, have little to play for in the return leg and they are unlikely to spoil the Hoops’ party at Celtic Park. In their last Champions League qualifying match in Glasgow Celtic rolled over Astana 5-0.
Highlighted Player (Mikael Lustig):
Long-serving Celtic soldier Michael Lustig has been with The Bhoys since 2012. The Swedish international has made more than 140 appearances for the Scottish club. The experienced 29-year-old defender is also a full international for Sweden since 2008 and a member of his country’s team that has participated at the 2016 European Championship finals in France.
Internationally experienced defender also took part at Euro 2012 and his vast experience is of crucial importance for Celtic. Lustig began his career at Umea FC and had also played for GIF Sundsvall and Rosenborg BK before his move to Scotland.
Mikael Lusting has endured mixed fortunes throughout his four-year career with Celtic, predominantly due to various injury spells that kept him out of play. First choice for Celtic manager(s) whenever he is fully fit, the Swedish defender is praised for his hard work, stamina and physical ability, despite his most recent struggles with muscle injuries.
Highlighted Team (Celtic):
The Celtic Football Club boasts a proud over 100-year long history which has made The Bhoys a global brand thanks to their unprecedented social awareness that dates to the very beginnings of this Scottish club. Celtic was founded in 1887 with the purpose of alleviating poverty in the immigrant Irish population in the East End of Glasgow by raising money to help their fellow citizens.
The charity legacy continues to this day with Celtic still preserving their charitable traditions through the Celtic FC Foundation. The Celts play their home matches at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 people. One of the two most successful football clubs in Scotland with 47 Scottish League Championship titles to their name, Celtic have a long-standing fierce rivalry with Rangers, with the clubs known as the Old Firm.
European Cup winners from season 1966-67 and runners-up two years later, Celtic have been regular in European competitions since their first appearance in 1962-63. Their other most standout results have been runners-up in the EUFA Cup in 2003 and Intercontinental Cup in 1967.
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