Leipzig seeking reverse in UCL fortunes after Dortmund defeat.

2024-10-30

As Celtic aim to rejuvenate their Champions League journey with a critical home fixture, RB Leipzig arrives at Celtic Park desperate to avert an impending fourth consecutive defeat, setting the stage for a dramatic Tuesday night clash on Matchday 4.

Celtic

Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League presents Celtic with an opportunity to capitalize on home advantage against RB Leipzig. They aim to reignite their campaign following a winless stretch.

Celtic's journey began with a commanding 5-1 victory over ŠK Slovan Bratislava on Matchday 1. However, they have faced setbacks, including a 7-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund and a goalless draw with Atalanta.

Celtic currently sit 20th in the standings with four points. Nonetheless, there is a positive atmosphere after their 6-0 home win over Aberdeen, their third victory in five matches across all competitions.

Historically, Celtic and RB Leipzig have met four times in European competitions, with the German side holding the advantage. Celtic's sole victory was a 2-1 win in 2018.

Recent defensive prowess, as seen against Atalanta, fuels Celtic's hope for consecutive clean sheets, a feat not achieved in the same Champions League campaign since 2006-07.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is expected to field a 4-3-3 lineup. Adam Idah will return to the starting eleven alongside the Japanese pair, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, who scored a hat-trick in the recent win over Aberdeen.

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig are in need of a significant turnaround in their Champions League campaign, having failed to secure any points in three outings this season. They are one of six teams in the tournament facing this scenario.

Their woes continued with a 2-1 Bundesliga loss to Borussia Dortmund over the weekend, marking their second defeat in their last five matches across all competitions (WLWWL). "There's no doubt that it was a thoroughly deserved win for BVB. They were better than us in many regards tonight," Marco Rose said.

Leipzig have struggled in previous trips to Scotland, losing two of their three away matches, though they can draw some optimism from their single victory at Celtic Park. They will be looking to avoid becoming only the third German side to lose their first four games in a Champions League season, a record once held by Hamburger SV in 2006-07 before Stuttgart picked up the unwanted record in 2007-08.

Benjamin Šeško, who netted the opener in their recent match against Dortmund, is expected to start in a 4—4—2 formation alongside Loïs Openda, who provided the assist. Manager Marco Rose will be without Xavi Simons and David Raum until early next year.