Celtic vs RB Leipzig Preview: Champions League Showdown in Glasgow

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As Celtic prepare to take on RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 5, 2024, all eyes are trained on what will be a nail-biting contest in the Champions League group stage. Both teams have experienced mixed fortunes so far in the campaign, with Celtic looking to press home advantage to bolster their qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Leipzig need to break their losing streak and gain their very first points this season in European competition. Below is a detailed preview of recent forms, head-to-head statistics, and some key players from both teams for tactical analysis, together with some recommended betting tips to help predict the outcome of this high-stakes clash.

Team Form and Recent Performance

Celtic

• Champions League Form: W-L-D
• Domestic Form: Nine wins out of ten Scottish Premiership games, with one draw and four consecutive clean sheets

Celtic have indeed been unstoppable in the domestic league, with a thumping 6-0 win over Aberdeen recently securing a place in the Scottish League Cup final. Manager Brendan Rodgers' team has been solid at the back, recording a number of clean sheets, while it's also been a case of finding the net regularly, which a number of key players, including Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi, have done. From being badly beaten 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund, Celtic went on to hold Serie A powerhouse Atalanta to a goalless draw in Italy-a kind of resilience that shows what will be needed for the following European fixture.

RB Leipzig

• Champions League Form: L-L-L
• Domestic Form: Undefeated in Bundesliga until their recent 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund

RB Leipzig's Champions League campaign has been less than ideal as they have lost three close matches against Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and Liverpool. Leipzig has found their shining star in Europe with striker Benjamin Sesko. He is the only player to have scored in the Champions League this season for Leipzig, netting all three goals, while the rest of the squad has not been able to convert their chances. Leipzig has been solid domestically and finally suffered their first league defeat recently. Conceding five, their defense has been the best in the Bundesliga, but they'll need to match that solidity if they are to keep an ambitious Celtic side goalless.

Head-to-Head Statistics

They have played four times earlier, with Leipzig winning three and Celtic managing only one. The only defeat Leipzig have endured at the hands of Celtic was at Celtic Park in a Champions League group stage match back in 2018. Both teams have changed quite a bit since then, and Celtic will be hoping to draw on that solitary win as some semblance of fortune-shifting in their favor.

Key Players to Watch

Celtic

1. Kyogo Furuhashi - The Japanese forward is pivotal for Celtic’s attack, especially at home, where he’s scored three goals in his last four Champions League appearances.
2. Daizen Maeda - Fresh from a hat-trick against Aberdeen, Maeda’s pace and positioning make him a constant threat in the final third.
3. Kasper Schmeichel - The veteran goalkeeper has been crucial in Celtic’s European campaign, making 12 saves in the Champions League and keeping clean sheets in recent matches.

RB Leipzig

1. Benjamin Sesko - Leipzig’s top scorer in the Champions League, Sesko has been prolific, with three goals in the competition and five Bundesliga contributions this season.
2. Lois Openda - The Belgian forward has six goal involvements in the Bundesliga and offers versatility in Leipzig’s attack, capable of breaking down defenses with his speed and technical ability.
3. Peter Gulacsi - Leipzig’s goalkeeper set a club record with 510 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal, a testament to his form and experience.

Tactical Analysis

Celtic's Approach Brendan Rodgers has placed much emphasis on defensive organization and efficiency in counter-attacks, especially in high-stake European games. Celtic are likely to line up in a structured 4-3-3 so as to nullify Leipzig's high press and capitalise from quick transitions. Rodgers may start Furuhashi as the central forward, with Maeda and Kuhn either side of him, trying to exploit Leipzig's wide areas. Celtic's midfield-three, spearheaded by the returning captain Callum McGregor, will be key in dictating the tempo of the game and providing a buffer to Leipzig's intense high-pressing approach.

RB Leipzig Strategy-Marker Marco Rose's Leipzig usually works with possession-based play; he decides on a 4-4-2 setup with two energetic strikers: Sesko and Openda upfront. Leipzig will most likely press high and urgently from the very start to see Celtic commit clumsy turnovers deep within their half, allowing them to create scoring opportunities with fast combinations. Having lost the likes of David Raum and Xavi Simons, however, Leipzig may lack depth in creative players. This might see them lean on a more direct approach to unlock Celtic with physical duels, especially through central areas where Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl will be seeking to dominate the midfield.

Match Predictions

Given the historical performances and current form of both teams, this encounter could go either way. Here are some potential outcomes:

1. Score Prediction: Celtic 1-2 RB Leipzig

   • While Celtic will be difficult to beat at home, Leipzig’s offensive quality may see them edge out a close game. A one-goal difference has been a recurring theme in Leipzig’s Champions League losses, and this match could follow a similar pattern.

2. Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 Goals

   • Both teams have shown defensive frailties in their European campaigns, making a high-scoring game likely. Leipzig has struggled to keep clean sheets in the Champions League, and Celtic’s attackers will relish the chance to exploit any defensive lapses.

3. First Goal: RB Leipzig

   • Celtic has often needed time to settle into their European games, whereas Leipzig is likely to push hard from the opening whistle. If Leipzig can capitalize on early opportunities, they could put themselves in the driver’s seat.

Betting Tips

1. Result - RB Leipzig to Win: Given their recent head-to-head record, Leipzig appears to have the upper hand and is slightly favored to win this matchup.
2. Both Teams to Score - Yes: Celtic’s recent home form suggests they’ll find the net at least once, especially with Leipzig missing some key defenders.
3. Benjamin Sesko Anytime Goalscorer: Sesko has been Leipzig’s most reliable goalscorer in the Champions League, making him a good bet to score in this match.

Potential Lineups

Celtic (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel
• Defenders: Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor
• Midfielders: Engels, McGregor, Hatate
• Forwards: Maeda, Furuhashi, Kuhn

RB Leipzig (4-4-2)

• Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
• Defenders: Geertruida, Orban, Klostermann, Henrichs
• Midfielders: Baumgartner, Haidara, Kampl, Nusa
• Forwards: Sesko, Openda

Final Thoughts

Therefore, here are the two teams coming into this crucial Champions League fixture with a lot at stake. With the great resilience shown so far, Celtic, backed by home support at Celtic Park, would be motivated to at least leave with a point. Leipzig will be put under pressure to turn their European campaign around, knowing a win is important to stay in contention for the knockout rounds.

It might be a case of who seizes their opportunities best and keeps their heads straight, cool, and calm at the most decisive moments. Leipzig's razor-sharp attack will strongly put Celtic's defensive solidity to the test, but if Celtic manages to make the most of its home turf advantage by controlling the pace of the game, they could well make this a closely fought encounter. But Leipzig will have the quality and urgency for points, which means they go into a goals-assured, exciting encounter for both sets of fans as slight favorites.