Cluj vs Celtic preview
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Wednesday 11 December 2019 17:31, UK
Team news, stats and prediction as Celtic travel to Cluj in the Europa League.
Team news
Neil Lennon is expected to ring the changes against the Romanian champions after his Celtic side guaranteed themselves top spot in Group E.
Scott Robertson could be in line for his first senior appearance while winger Marian Shved has been tipped to make his first Hoops start.
Callum McGregor has featured 37 times for club and country already this season, and he along with James Forrest and Ryan Christie are all set to be given a rest.
Scott Brown is absent through suspension but Leigh Griffiths could start up front.
State of play
Celtic are already through to the last 32 as group winners and Cluj still have a chance to join them. They will be through with draw or win, or if Lazio do not win.
Opta stats
- CFR Cluj require a draw to guarantee their place in the knockout stages; they have never previously progressed from the group stage of a Champions League or Europa League campaign.
- This is the fourth meeting between CFR Cluj and Celtic in all competitions this season. Celtic won the reverse Europa League fixture 2-0, while Cluj won 4-3 away after a 1-1 home draw in Champions League qualifying back in August.
- Following their 2-1 win at Lazio on MD4, Celtic are looking to win consecutive away games in major European competition for the first time since April 2003 (excluding qualifiers).
- Cluj have won both of their two home games in this season's UEFA Europa League; they have never previously won three consecutive home games in all European competitions.
- Celtic, who have won each of their last four Europa League matches, last won five straight games across all European competition back in November 2002 in the UEFA Cup, with current boss Neil Lennon featuring in four of those five wins.
Charlie Nicholas' prediction
Last time I went against Celtic at Lazio, they scored a late winner. They got their 10th straight domestic trophy at the weekend - they were on their knees with exhaustion and tiredness, but they have been playing so many games. Cluj need to win to qualify with Celtic.
Celtic lost the last time they played against Cluj [in the Champions League third qualifying round in August] and I expect the same to happen again. Neil Lennon will make five or six changes, as the job is done and he needs to focus more domestically. It has been an inspiring group stage for them, but I see them losing here.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
