Prediction: Celtic vs Roma

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 17/14

Bookmaker: BetUS

Celtic and Roma collide at Celtic Park on Thursday evening in a pivotal Europa League clash, with both sides eager to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.

Separated by just two points in the standings, neither team is assured of a top-24 finish, adding extra weight to this first-ever competitive meeting.

The only time they faced each other before was a friendly match back in July 2004, which Roma won as Giallorossi icon Francesco Totti scored the only goal of the game.

Match Preview

Celtic climbed out of the elimination zone with a stunning 3-1 win over Feyenoord at De Kuip last time out, overturning an early deficit thanks to goals from Hyun-Jun Yang, Reo Hatate, and Benjamin Nygren. That victory capped Martin O’Neill’s interim tenure, during which the Bhoys also won five straight Premiership matches and reached the League Cup final.

New boss Wilfried Nancy, fresh from MLS success, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Hearts in his debut, leaving little time to implement his tactical blueprint before a defining week that includes Sunday’s cup final. Historically, Celtic have struggled against Italian sides, winning just two of their last 16 encounters—both against Lazio in 2019-20.

Team News

Nancy is expected to stick with his favored 3-4-2-1 system. Marcelo Saracchi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are long-term absentees. James Forrest has resumed training but may not start. Hatate and Nygren, joint-top scorers in this Europa League campaign, should feature prominently in attack.

AS Roma

Roma, two points ahead of Celtic, recently beat Rangers 2-0 at Ibrox and could become the first team in 12 seasons to defeat both Old Firm clubs away. Their 2-1 win over FC Midtjylland last month lifted them to 15th in the table, just outside the top eight. However, back-to-back Serie A defeats—including a shock loss to Cagliari—have dented momentum.

Gian Piero Gasperini, a Europa League winner with Atalanta in 2024, has guided Roma to fourth in Serie A, but fatigue and rotation loom large with a busy schedule ahead.

Team News

Artem Dovbyk remains out with a thigh injury, while Wesley returns from a brief layoff. Gasperini may opt for Paulo Dybala or Tommaso Baldanzi as a false nine, with Evan Ferguson out of favor. Expect changes as Roma balance Thursday’s clash with Monday’s league fixture against Como.

Conclusion

Celtic’s home record in the Europa League rarely sees draws—none in their last 19 matches—and that trend could continue. While Nancy’s side is still adapting, Roma’s experience and depth make them slight favorites to edge a tight contest.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 17/14

Bookmaker: BetUS