Celtic vs Atletico Madrid Betting Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Celtic vs Atletico Madrid on and what time does it start? Celtic vs Atletico Madrid will take place on Wednesday 25th October, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Celtic vs Atletico Madrid? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Celtic vs Atletico Madrid on in the UK? Celtic vs Atletico Madrid will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Celtic vs Atletico Madrid in the UK? Celtic vs Atletico Madrid can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
CELTIC
Celtic were dealt another brutal reality check as to the pitfalls of the Champions League if you don’t take your opportunities against Lazio. After taking the lead early on at Parkhead, they ended up losing a game they should have won and at the very least taken a point from. As a result, the Bhoys are rooted to the bottom of Group E.
Two straight victories domestically has restored confidence to the squad after a 3-1 win against Kilmarnock was back up by a comprehensive 1-4 victory most recently vs Hearts. They’ll need to show the same level of cutting edge in front of goal here to have any chance when taking into account the opposition.
ATLETICO MADRID
Four points from six so far in Group E represents a solid return for Atletico Madrid following their 3-2 win over Feyenoord, but they’ll no doubt still be irritated at conceding a goal to Lazio’s keeper right at the very end to cost them victory in their first group match. Although the Dutch champions pushed them incredibly hard, taking the lead twice, Diego Simeone’s Atletico showed their experience at this level, hitting Feyenoord with a one-two punch either side of half time, eventually winning 3-2.
The form of Atletico is enough for everyone in Europe to sit up and take notice at this point, having now won their last six matches in all competitions. This run includes victory over Real Madrid and most recently a comfortable 0-3 win away to ten-man Celta Vigo. However, Simeone would no doubt like more clean sheets, having kept just two across this run.
THE TEAM NEWS
CELTIC
The expectation is that Celtic will name the same starting XI that overcame Hearts. Cameron Carter-Vickers came through the game unscathed and should line-up again alongside Liam Scales in defence. Both Liel Abada and Stephen Welsh are missing through thigh and ankle injuries respectively.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Hart; A. Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma
UNAVAILABLE: Abada (Injured), Welsh (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ATLETICO MADRID
Simeone will be forced to make a change on the left-hand-side following Samuel Lino’s knee injury sustained against Celta Vigo last time out. Expect Rodrigo Riquelme to start at wing-back with Nahuel Molina on the opposite flank. Rodrigo De Paul could start over Pablo Barrios in midfield. Defender Stefan Savic is struggling with illness and may miss out.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Oblak; Azpilicueta, Witsel, Hermoso; Molina, De Paul, Koko, Niguez, Riquelme; Morata, Griezmann
UNAVAILABLE: Gimenez (Injured) Lemar (Injured), Lino (Injured), Depay (Injured), Reinildo (knee)
QUESTIONABLE: Savic (Illness)
THE PREDICTION
So often Celtic promise much at this level but fail to deliver and that was evident again vs Lazio. Despite taking the lead, they let it slip and despite having the better of the opportunities, ended up on the losing side. Against a streetwise opponent like Atletico Madrid, this does not bode well when considering the quality and experience of Simeone’s side at both ends of the pitch. Atletico are a stronger team in all departments and are well worth backing to pick up three points.
TIP: ATLETICO MADRID TO WIN
