Red Bull Salzburg vs Celtic Predictions

Ever since the Red Bull takeover of Salzburg in 2006, the Austrian club have seen themselves steadily grow to become regulars in European competition. It took a few years to get up to speed, but they finally qualified for the Europa League group stages for the first time in 2009/10, and they haven’t looked back since.

Indeed, they have qualified for the Europa League group stages eight times since that initial success, making it through to the knockouts on five occasions as well. However, last season was a big step forward even for them, with their excellent performances taking them all the way to the semi-finals before they lost to Marseille.

Their displays throughout the campaign were excellent. They didn’t lose a single match in the Europa League until their quarter final tie with Lazio and they haven’t lost a Europa League tie at home since a 1-0 loss to Nice in the 2016/17 group stages.

Not only that, but RB Salzburg’s overall form is almost unparalleled. Their last defeat, in any competition, was back in May when they lost to Austria Wien, and they have since won 14 of their 16 competitive matches. In fact, they only missed out on their first Champions League group stage on away goals against Red Star Belgrade.

Celtic may have won their Europa League opener at home to Rosenborg last month, but there is a bit of concern around Celtic Park at the moment. Brendan Rodgers’ side haven’t been showing anywhere near the level of dominance we’ve come to expect from them, so much so that they actually find themselves down in 5th place in the table with a six point deficit on leaders Hearts.

The Bhoys’ main issue has undoubtedly been their away form. They have won just two of their eight competitive away games since the start of August, losing against Hearts, AEK, and Kilmarnock in the process. To make matters worse, they haven’t won an away match in the Europa League since 2011, failing in all 12 of their games since then.

Travelling away from home in Europe is always difficult, but against a side of Red Bull Salzburg’s quality, it could prove a step too far for Celtic. The hosts have won seven of their last nine home games in the competition, losing none, and have scored 18 goals in the process. This includes a 4-1 thrashing of Lazio last season and victories over Marseille, Schalke, and Real Sociedad.

Salzburg should have enough about them to take all three points here, and we’re expecting it to be a typically high scoring affair too. Four of their last five home games in the competition have seen at least three goals scored, so we’re backing a Salzburg Win and Over 2.5 Goals along with a 3-1 correct score predictions.