Celtic's wide pressure and second contacts meet a Celta back line that has recently allowed repeated box entries. Celta's first clean release can still find Rodríguez, Jutglà or a later Aspas spell behind Celtic's advanced flank. This should be a contest of repeated home regains against the quality of those away exits. The next ball after a clearance may matter more than the first shot.
Tierney's delivery, restarts and high recoveries give Celtic several ways to return the ball to the box. Celta needed Radu's saves against Alavés after its central defence gave up frequent clean looks, while its recent away attacks have struggled to turn possession into shots on target. Celtic's Hearts score was unusually large, but the pressure and second-contact pattern behind it was clear.
Johnston and Carter-Vickers missed Hearts and were ruled out for this match, with Trusty also unavailable. Celta travelled without Starfelt and Iglesias, though Rodríguez and Jutglà played full matches against Alavés and Aspas added an assist from the bench. Celtic's own defensive changes keep this close, but their repeat supply against Celta's current centre has the stronger route to a decisive finish. That's why I'm siding with Celtic for the home result.
