The match of round 8 of the group stage of the 2025/26 Europa League between Celtic (Scotland) and Utrecht (Netherlands) will take place on 29 january at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Celtic vs Utrecht: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Celtic
Celtic approach the upcoming tie after a 2:2 draw away at Bologna. Before that the club was also thrashed 0:3 at home by Roma. Due to losses in the last two rounds the team dropped to 24th place in the standings and sits one point clear of the nearest rival. It is worth noting that matches involving Celtic average 3.1 goals.
- The club has failed to win in 5 of its previous 7 Europa League matches (2 draws and 3 defeats).
- At least three goals were scored in five of Celtic's last matches in this competition.
- Both teams scored in 8 of the last 10 previous matches involving Celtic in this European competition.
Potential Celtic Lineup (4-5-1)*
Kasper Schmeichel – Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales, Colby Donovan, Oston Trausti – Yang Hyun-jun, Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Sebastian Tunekti, Reo Hatate – Daizen Maeda.
Defenders Marcelo Saracchi, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, midfielder Callum Osmund, and forward Jota Neves are injured. Midfielder Reo Hatate is out due to suspension.
Utrecht
Utrecht, along with Malmö and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, have not won any match in the current group stage. The trio have picked up only one point each. The club approach the upcoming tie after three consecutive defeats in this European competition, with two of those losses occurring at home. Interestingly, in both of the last matches in the tournament Utrecht conceded due to collapses in the second half. Also note that the visitors have scored only 3 goals, with only Maccabi Tel-Aviv having worse attacking numbers (2 goals).
- The team's winless run in this European competition stands at 8 matches (2 draws and 6 defeats).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in five of Utrecht's previous Europa League matches.
- Utrecht failed to score in the first half in seven of their last matches in this competition.
Potential Utrecht Lineup (4-3-3)*
Michael Brouwer – Derry Murkin, Mike Erdheizen, Matiss Didden, Niklas Vesterlund – Alonzo Tim Engwanda-Onjena, Dani de Wit, Can Bozdogan – Yoann Katlin, Miguel Rodriguez, Sebastian Aller.
Referee
Mohammed Al-Emara (Finland)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow Cards Shown (Including Second Yellows) – 45;
Average Yellow Cards Per Match – 3.8;
Red Cards Shown – 4;
Fouls Per Match On Average – 24;
Penalties – 58%.
Celtic vs Utrecht: Match Prediction
Even a draw would be disastrous for Celtic, so, fully aware of the importance of the result in this meeting, they are focused solely on three points. The hosts have no shortage of tournament motivation, while the visitors lack it completely. Utrecht arrive at Celtic Park with one objective — to end their European suffering. We think that Utrecht will not only lose but will also fail to score in this tie.
Celtic have long been known for their resilience at this stadium. In nine previous home matches in the Europa League Celtic have recorded 6 wins while losing three times. Notably, those defeats came against strong opponents — Bayer Leverkusen, Braga and Roma. Utrecht lost their three previous away matches in this competition, and in those games the visitors scored just 1 goal.
Prediction: Celtic To Win To Nil
* For each team the starting lineup in their previous match in this tournament is indicated.
