Celtic vs Lazio Predictions

While the Celtic fans may be disappointed to be watching Europa League rather than Champions League football at this stage, they can at least be pleased with the fact that their side have made a solid start to proceedings in the competition.

A draw away to Rennes and revenge over CFR Cluj in their opening two matches leave them at the top of Europa League Group E, a point ahead of Cluj and Lazio and knowing that a result at Celtic Park on Thursday could see them extend their lead at the top as we hit the halfway mark.

Lazio may look like a mountainous challenge for the Bhoys, but the Serie A side aren’t in the best shape right now. They have won just three of their last nine competitive games and lost three times, and their performances in the Europa League leave a lot to be desired.

They were poor in their opening round loss to CFR Cluj, and while they did manage to beat Rennes on home soil, it still took a second half comeback for them to do so. This leaves them 3rd in Europa League Group E, although they are just a point behind Celtic after that comeback against Rennes.

However, Lazio’s away form suggests that this could be tougher for them than it will be for Celtic. They are winless in their last four competitive trips away, three of which ended in losses. Additionally, their away record in the Europa League sees them losing seven of their last nine outings, including shock defeats to Zulte-Waragem, Steau Bucharest and Apollon.

Celtic, meanwhile, are on a six match winning streak on home soil and have won six of their last eight home games in the Europa League. Considering Lazio’s fragile state, we think a win for Celtic is a great value bet here.

Lazio, for all their faults, have managed to score in six of their last nine Europa League away games and have only failed to find the net in one of their competitive away games this season. Celtic scored twice at home to Cluj in their last Europa League game, so a 2-1 correct score prediction looks the best bet here.