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Celtic will not face many tougher tests than German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-offs.
The Scottish champions finished 21st in the league standings, just two points away from being eliminated.
Their reward is a gargantuan clash against Harry Kane and Co, who finished 12th, just one point adrift of the automatic qualification places.
Nevertheless, the Bundesliga side will fancy their chances of dismantling their British opposition, although it is unlikely to be as straightforward as it looks on paper.
Celtic picked up points against the likes of Atalanta, Young Boys and Dinamo Zagreb during the initial league phase, but suffered a humiliating 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
The result will surely leave Bayern licking their lips, but they must be careful at Celtic Park, renowned for its hostile atmosphere.
Speaking ahead of the game, Kompany said: “Itβs certainly going to be special for us and for the fans. Celtic Park, in my experience, it was one of the loudest stadiums I ever played in. We can enjoy the atmosphere.
βThere was a lot of talk about the two extra games added to the schedule, but now everyone is looking forward to it. These kind of games are special, they are great opportunities to feel something very special.
βIβm happy to live through these moments. It will be an amazing Champions League night.”
Rodgers is relying on his team’s ability to score goals, and pointed to games he has played against Kompany before as a reason why Celtic can come through as victors.
He added: “We can score goals. Theyβve obviously got threats but itβs the knock-out stages of the Champions League.
“Every team has big quality and Iβve been up against some of these teams, so I know how they play.
“Vincent Kompany will have played against my teams at Swansea, Leicester and Liverpool so heβll know how my teams work. Itβs going to be a fantastic game and Iβll look forward to it. Itβs my job to convince the players that we can get a positive result.”
πππ±π πππππ‘: #UCL knockout round play-offs first leg π«
Letβs go against Celtic on Wednesday night in Glasgow! π#FCBayern #MiaSanMia π #CELFCB pic.twitter.com/CTxdY21B5f
β FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) February 8, 2025
Celtic vs Bayern Munich team news
Celtic had the luxury of rotating his squad heavily for the cup win over Raith Rovers at the weekend.
Daizen Maeda will miss out after his red card against Young Boys, while the returning Jota is still building up his fitness and may see some minutes.
Paulo Bernardo will join James Forrest on the injury table after picking up a knock at the weekend, but there is still plenty of quality for the hosts to utilise.
For Bayern, Joao Palhinha and Serge Gnabry may both miss out after being struck with illness at the weekend.
Alphonso Davies is still sidelined after picking up a hamstring issue, but that appears to be the extent of the Bavarian’s injury woes.
Celtic vs Bayern Munich expected line-ups
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatata; Kuhn, Idah, Yang
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Coman, Musiala, Olise; Kane
How to watch Celtic vs Bayern Munich:Β Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Wednesday is at 20:00 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1 at 19:00.
Celtic vs Bayern Munich stats
- Celtic have won 11 of the last 13 home matches while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- Celtic have won 7 of the last 9 home matches and the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 8 of the last 10 Celtic matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- Celtic have won the last 3 home matches in a row while scoring less than 2.5 goals
- In 7 of the last 9 Celtic home matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- In 10 of the last 11 Bayern Munich matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- Bayern Munich have won 6 of the last 8 matches and the sum of goals was over 2.5
- Bayern Munich have won 6 of the last 8 matches while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- Bayern Munich have lost 4 of the last 5 away matches in the Champions League while scoring less than 1.5 goals
- In 5 of the last 6 Bayern Munich away matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
Celtic vs Bayern Munich prediction
It’s not impossible for Celtic to progress in this tie, but it would take something special.
A win at home in the first leg is their best chance of causing an upset and the energy will be high in Glasgow with thoughts on another memorable European night.
But the form of Kane, Leroy Sane and Michael Olise and is frightening concept for any side.
The England skipper will be relishing the opportunity to face off against the Scots on his return to the British Isles and better opponents have tried and failed to keep him out.
You could argue that the visitors have better players in every area of the pitch than their hosts, but in knockout football, it is never a walk in the park.
Prediction: Celtic 1-3 Bayern Munich
