Neil Lennon takes Celtic to Denmark to kick off their Europa League last 32 tie against Denmark’s Copenhagen on Thursday night.
The Hoops will hope to keep their Europa League momentum going after topping Group E. It was a difficult group for the Scottish champions that featured Cluj, Lazio, and Rennes. Lennon’s side picked up 13 points from 18 possible to move on to the knockout stage.
Stale Solbakken’ Copenhagen finished second in Europa League Group B with nine points from 18 possible. The Danish club posted a 2W-3D-1L record with that only defeat coming against Sweden’s Malmo in the final group stage game.
Copenhagen do not go into the match in the best form. They have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions. That figure is a little misleading, however.
Solbakken’s team have only just returned from the long winter break in Denmark. They were off from the 16th of December until the 14th of February. Copenhagen have played just one match since returning and that was a loss last weekend, 1-0, to Esbjerg.
Celtic are on a nine-match winning streak in all competitions. Their last loss came on the 29th of December against Rangers. Lennon’s team are in form but could go into Thursday night fatigued due to the number of games played already this season.
The Hoops will play their 44th game of the season when they travel to Denmark while Copenhagen will play their 36th in all competitions. The number of games could be a negative for Celtic.
Lennon led Celtic to a win over Aberdeen at the weekend and got three players back from injuries. Mohamed Elyounoussi, Ryan Christie and Jeremie Frimpong were all available. Only Christie got onto the pitch in the end.
Celtic could also have the duo of Hatem Elhamed and Nir Bitton back in the squad for the trip to Denmark. The manager stated the duo was back in training prior to the weekend.
Although Copenhagen have the comforts of home playing in Denmark and rest after a two-month layoff, they will be without the trio of Jonas Wind, Nicolai Boilesen and Robert Mudrazija. It is a major blow for Solbakken as he attempts to knockoff Celtic.
Back to @EuropaLeague action this week... Excited, Celts? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/vd4E30CB49— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 17, 2020
Back to @EuropaLeague action this week... Excited, Celts? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/vd4E30CB49
The injury news doesn’t get much better for Solbakken as Viktor Fischer, Jens Stage and Ragnar Sigurdsson are all racing to be fit for the match.
Copenhagen do have injury issues, but could come away from the clash on Thursday night with a big first leg win. The Lions are playing at home and having had a break from action could pick up a win versus Celtic at home.
Expect the first leg to be close and cagey with under 2.5 goals scored in Denmark. Celtic could struggle stepping out into the Europa League knockout stages.