Champions League: Celtic to welcome Belgian side Club Brugge

Celtic will host Club Brugge at Celtic Park on Wednesday evening in a pivotal UEFA Champions League clash, as the Scottish champions aim to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages against a Belgian side that have been riddled with inconsistency this term.

The hosts are currently 15th in the table with seven points from four games, while the visitors are placed in 22nd with six points from their opening four outings.

Celtic have enjoyed a sensational start to the 2024-25 season, losing just once in 19 matches across all competitions while racking up 16 wins and two draws.

That sole defeat came in their 10th outing of the campaign, a humbling 7-1 loss away to Borussia Dortmund on matchday two of the Champions League, which shattered their early-season momentum after nine consecutive wins.

Club Brugge may have been riddled with inconsistency throughout the opening stages of their campaign, but they certainly have the quality to threaten Celtic in this one.

The Belgian champions started their season without a win in their first four across all competitions, losing three and drawing one, before finally putting together a run of four successive wins in the league.

However, a 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund saw them slip into a period of struggle, winning only two of their next seven games, losing three and drawing two, but they have since recovered, heading into this match on their strongest run of results this season.

Nicky Hayen’s side have already shown their pedigree on the continent, defeating Aston Villa 1-0 in their last Champions League match thanks to a penalty from Hans Vanaken, awarded after a bizarre handball by Tyrone Mings.

As for availability of players, Brendan Rodgers will still be without Odin Thiago Holm, with the midfielder sidelined since early November due to a calf injury that is likely to keep him out until early next month.

Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn has made an impressive start to the season for Celtic, with 11 goals and 11 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including scoring in each of his last four matches, making him the likely danger man once again here.

Aside from their defeat to Borussia Dortmund, the Hoops have been nearly flawless this season, and with the charged atmosphere at Celtic Park supporting them, they are likely to secure a win in this matchup.