Who will win Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava? Our writers deliver their predictions with goals on the Champions League agenda
The Champions League is BACK as Celtic get ready to test themselves at Europe's top table once again.
But this time around the competition has a brand new look and structure with one 36 team league in operation. The new format sees each club play eight matches in total - four home and four away - with the top 24 teams booking knockout football with teams 25 to 36 eliminated from Europe altogether. Those clubs bagging a top eight finish go automatically into the last 16 with clubs 9th to 24th earning a two-legged play-off battle for the right to join those finishing in the top section of the league phase.
Brendan Rodgers and his troops have been handed a favourable start as they welcome Slovan Bratislava to Parkhead. The Scottish champions have been perfect domestically to date with five wins from five, including a weekend win over Hearts going into this one and the top team at Record Sport have given their predictions on the big night under the lights in Glasgow's east end. Goals are expected with our five writers all in agreement on the overall outcome come close of play on Wednesday night.
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Craig Swan
Celtic have a brilliant opportunity to get their campaign up and running with a victory, despite the Slovaks’ impressive work to reach this stage. Brendan Rodgers’ team have the weapons to hurt Bratislava, but it won’t be simple. Nothing is at this level.
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Keith Jackson
This one feels like a must win if Brendan Rodgers is to hit his target of re-establishing Celtic as a credible Champions League force by making it into the play-offs for the last 16. It won’t be easy but Rodgers has built a squad which is ready and equipped to compete at this level. Three points on opening night would represent the perfect start.
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Michael Gannon
Celtic can’t afford to take Bratislava lightly as they have shown they are more than capable of scoring goals. A fast start and total concentration will be required and the Hoops can get off to a flying start with their quality in the final third.
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Gavin Berry
Surely it will be 13th time lucky for the Hoops as they look to end a 23-year opening game Champions League hoodoo after losing 10 and drawing two of their first fixtures in the group stage. There is a feel good factor around Parkhead just now with the club minted off it, and looking minted on it so far this season. Forget the no easy games in Europe cliche - this is must-win against the Slovaks.
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Robbie Copeland
It feels like the visitors have been underestimated somewhat going into this - they’re at this level for a reason and should be a step up from the usual standard of domestic business for the Hoops. But Brendan Rodgers has his Rolls Royce tuned up and motoring and they should be too strong under the lights at Parkhead.
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