Celtic are one UEFA Europa League (UEL) defeat away from unwanted history as they host unbeaten Beşiktaş, who bring their own defensive concerns to Glasgow.
Match News and Current Form
Celtic’s miserable European campaign continued when they squandered the lead to lose 2-1 to Celta Vigo on matchday three, leaving them with three UEL league phase defeats and only Ararat-Armenia below them in the standings. Their domestic form also suggests the Bhoys are at risk of suffering four straight losses in major European competition for the first time since December 2017, as they’ve now won just two of their last six competitive games (D1, L3) following Sunday’s surprise 2-0 league defeat to Falkirk. Even home comforts at Celtic Park haven’t given Martin O’Neill’s side much of a lift on this stage, given they’ve lost four of their last five major European home fixtures (W1).
Beşiktaş are seven points better off than Celtic, starting the league phase with their longest unbeaten sequence in this competition since 2017 (W2, D1). After drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace on matchday three, they then repeated that scoreline on Sunday against Kasımpaşa, but surrendering a two-goal advantage highlighted defensive vulnerability, particularly on the road. The Black Eagles’ only win across their last four away matches (D1, L2) came in this competition against Hoffenheim, though that was a rare bright spot in a dismal record across their last eight UEL main draw road games (W2, L6).
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first meeting between the two clubs, while Celtic have drawn their two previous games against Turkish sides. This is Beşiktaş’ first match against Scottish opponents.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Celtic scored exactly once in each of their last five UEL games (W1, L4).
Celtic conceded 2+ goals in each of their last five UEL home matches (W1, L4).
Beşiktaş’ first three league phase games produced a UEL-high 11 goals after half-time.
Beşiktaş conceded at least twice in each of their last four away games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Mika Baur has scored two of Celtic’s three UEL goals this season, both at Celtic Park, while all four of his strikes this term arrived between the 40th and 55th minute. Beşiktaş forward Oh Hyeon-gyu returns to former side Celtic having scored three goals across his last five appearances, each of them between the 70th and 80th minute.
Celtic defender Kieran Tierney could be a doubt after suffering a knock against Falkirk. Orkun Kökçü and Fabio Miretti missed Beşiktaş’ last game due to injury, while Ümit Akdağ is suspended after being sent off on matchday three.
Betting Analysis
Given that two of Celtic’s three UEL league phase games produced 4+ goals, just as all three Beşiktaş’ did, backing over 3.5 goals looks tempting.
Author: John Pennington