It seems strange to think the second match in the group stages of the Champions League could be classed as a ‘must win’ but that is the case for both Anderlecht and Celtic if they want to qualify for the Round of 16. Having been joined in Group B with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, both of which are huge favourites to qualify, Anderlecht and Celtic cannot afford to drop points against each other if they want to remain in the chase for top the top two places. Therefore, although this is not the biggest match in the group on Wednesday night, it carries huge significance for both teams.
Anderlecht Form
Anderlecht come into this match following a 2-1 win away from home against Waasland-Beveren in the Belgian Frist Division on the weekend. This was their third match in a row without defeat and took them to 7th place in the division but still some way off the leaders. Anderlecht started their domestic campaign slowly but have started to turn things around. In the Champions League Anderlecht lost 3-0 at Bayern Munich in their opening Group B fixture. In truth, the result could have been a lot worse after they were reduced to ten men after only 11 minutes and Anderlecht did well to restrict Bayern to 3 goals. Anderlecht have lost 7 of their last 8 home Champions League games.
Celtic Form
There is no doubt Celtic are the top team in Scotland and it would be a huge surprise if they did not win the Scottish Premier League again this season. The 2-0 win over bitter rivals Rangers on the weekend kept them at the top of the table and they are yet to lose a game this season in domestic football. However, the Champions League is a different level of football entirely and Celtic were taken apart by Paris Saint-Germain in their first match of the group. The game ended 6-0 in favour of the visitors and Celtic could not live with their French opponents.
Away from home in the Champions League Celtic won 2 of their qualifying games this season but in general they struggle badly. You must go back to October 2012 to find the last time they won a group game away from home and that was a 3-2 win at Spartak Moscow.
Team News
Anderlecht will be without the suspended Sven Kums following his red card in Munich. The hosts are also without the injured Andy Najar and have doubts over Lukasz Teodorczyk and Kara. Celtic travel to Belgium without the injured duo of Erik Sviatchenko and Eboue Kouassi. Every other player is fit and available with Leigh Griffiths expected to play up-front on his own.
Top Betting Tips
Anderlecht may not have a good record at home in the Champions League but the fact Celtic have lost recent European away matches at Malmo, Lincoln Red Imps, Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Astana will give the home team confidence.
If there is going to be a winner in this game it is likely to be Anderlecht who are 11/10 with Ladbrokes to take maximum points. However, Celtic have scored in each of their last 5 away Champions League games, so will feel confident of getting on the score sheet. Both teams to score is 4/6 with Unibet. There is not a great deal to split the teams and home advantage could play a significant part. If this was at Celtic, they would feel confident about getting the win but away from home, Anderlecht have the edge. Anderlecht are 3/1 with Betfair to win the match by one goal and 15/2 with Ladbrokes to win 2-1.