Celtic Glasgow - Sion

Celtic take on Sion in the first leg of the Play-off round in the Europa League on Thursday evening. The intimidating atmosphere at Hampden Park in Glasgow plus the much greater experience of the Bhoys in European competitions are amongst the main advantages for them and I think they are firm favourites in the tie which they will make obvious by taking a serious lead from the first leg.

Celtic Glasgow are currently sitting in 2nd place in the Scottish Premier League being one point behind leaders Motherwell who however have a game more than them. Celtic have won all three games they have played so far. They conceded only one goal and scored 8 in the process which shows their manager Neil Lennon has higher aspirations that last season. The team thrashed another European participant from the Scottish league Dundee United 5:1 at the weekend and they will be on the up on Thursday evening. Celtic won their last two Europa League games at home without conceding a goal and this will be crucial in this Play-off round.

Sion enter the Europa League from the Play-off round after they won the Swiss Cup last year. The lack of experience will be the most serious concern for head coach Roussey who will have to decide what formation to field on Thursday against Celtic. Sion are currently sitting in 4th place in the Swiss Super League with 8 points from the first five games. However, he will definitely rely on the top goal scorer of the team Sio who has netted three times in the five games in the league. Sion recorded three draws and two defeats in the five games in Europe they have played in recent years.

Celtic enter the game as huge favourites and it will be a surprise if they do not ensure their place in the Group stage of the Europa League in the first leg.