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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kick-off: 2000, 30/09/2021
Stadium: Celtic Park
TV: BT Sport
Celtic failed to make it through last season’s Europa League group stage and could be struggling again this term in a tough pool.
Having already lost away to Real Betis, the Hoops face a bang-in-form Bayer Leverkusen side eyeing a fourth straight win in all competitions.
We reckon the visitors will be too hot to handle and 19/20 for an away victory is our opening Celtic vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction.
To be fair, Celtic did well to edge out AZ Alkmaar in the play-offs and showed plenty of spirit in a 4-3 loss to Betis in Spain to start Group G.
Things looked good for the Hoops at Estadio Benito Villamarin when Albian Ajeti bundled in from close range and then Josip Juranovic struck from the penalty spot.
However, Betis hit back with a four-goal blitz in 20 minutes either side of half-time and Anthony Ralston’s late header was only a consolation effort.
Since then, Celtic have also faltered in the Scottish Premiership, losing 1-0 at Livingston and only drawing 1-1 with Dundee United at this venue.
Ange Postecoglou is refusing to press any panic buttons, stating: “I know people are wanting to push me on some kind of edge of the ledge somewhere, but it’s just not going to happen.
“I don’t worry about those things. I look at how my team is playing and what we are trying to create.
“I know what the club is about, I know what the expectations are. I believe the road we have started on will get us there, so we will just keep going.”
However, Parkhead has not been a fortress in Europe for the past few years and that is unlikely to change on current form.
Looking at the Celtic vs Bayer Leverkusen odds, we like 12/5 for an away win and both teams to score.
Leverkusen were caught napping when Ryan Mmaee put Ferencvaros ahead at BayArena on the break in the eighth minute on Matchday 1.
However, they were back on level terms before half-time when ex-Celtic overlapping full-back Jeremie Frimpong teed up Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios to fire into the top corner.
There was another scare when Ferencvaros had a goal ruled out for handball before Jonathan Tah was penalised for pushing after heading in at the other end.
Leverkusen did grab a legitimate winner through hot prospect Florian Wirtz in the 69th minute and are rated a force to be reckoned with in this competition.
Teenager Wirtz has since netted again in Bundesliga victories over Stuttgart and Mainz, while Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick is also on a good run.
Werkself are second only to Bayern Munich in Germany’s top flight, having posted four wins from six outings, with the sole defeat being a 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Last season’s leading marksman Lucas Alario has been hampered by niggling injuries this term but should see some action here and 4/1 for him to score last is added to our Celtic vs Bayer Leverkusen betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
CELTIC 1-1 Dundee Utd – Liel Abada
BAYER LEVERKUSEN 1-0 Mainz – Florian Wirtz
Head-to-head: N/A
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