Bayer Leverkusen vs Celtic Predictions

• Bayer Leverkusen’s tally of 11 goals is the second highest tally in the UEFA Europa League group stage.
• Leverkusen hammered Celtic 4-0 in September, but both teams managed 18 shots in the game.
• Celtic are averaging 2 goals per game in Europe this season, and 2.3 in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic Face Tough Trip to Group Leaders

Consecutive wins over Ferencvaros mean Celtic are guaranteed to be competing in Europe after Christmas, but Ange Postecoglou’s in-form team face a tough task if they are to avoid dropping down into the Europa Conference League on Thursday, when they travel to Bayer Leverkusen.

After a flying start to their Bundesliga campaign, Leverkusen stuttered throughout October, but have steadied the ship through a last-gasp equaliser at Hertha and a narrow win over Bochum. Leverkusen have been consistently excellent in the Europa League, however, with 3 wins and 11 goals in their 4 matches. Gerardo Seoane’s team would guarantee top spot with a draw here.

Celtic lost 4-0 to Leverkusen in September, but did manage 18 shots and 55% possession in a high-tempo encounter, where Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was actually named man of the match. Postecoglou’s team have won 8 of 9 games since then, and secured a place in the Scottish League Cup final on Saturday. The Hoops have scored 30 goals in 13 league games, and 20 in their 10 European games this season.

Excitement Likely in Do-or-Die Clash

While Leverkusen only need a draw to confirm top spot, Celtic will likely need to win to have any hope of beating Real Betis to second. The Hoops, as already mentioned, were picked off when aggressively taking the game to Leverkusen in the return fixture, and will be forced to attack again on Thursday.

There have been 31 goals scored in the 9 competitive home games Leverkusen have played this season, and considering the state of play in Group G, I would again expect goals in this encounter. Despite Celtic’s best efforts, Leverkusen may just have too much quality, and a home win with over 2.5 match goals seems a solid bet, with 3-1 Leverkusen a decent correct score prediction.