The Matchday 8 match of the Europa League 2025/26 group stage between Celtic and Utrecht will take place on 29 January at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Celtic vs Utrecht: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Celtic
Celtic approach the upcoming tie after a 2:2 away draw with Bologna. Prior to that the club was hammered 0:3 at home by Roma. Due to dropped points in the last two rounds the team sits 24th in the standings and is one point clear of its nearest rival. Note that matches involving Celtic average 3.1 goals. The club needs a win in the final round to guarantee progression to the next stage of the competition.
- The club failed to win in 5 of its last 7 Europa League matches (2 draws and 3 losses).
- At least three goals were scored in five of Celtic's last matches in this competition.
- Both teams scored in 8 of Celtic's previous 10 matches in this European competition.
Potential Celtic Lineup (4-5-1)*
Celtic: Kasper Schmeichel – Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales, Colby Donovan, Oston Trasti – Yang Hyun-jun, Arne Engels, Callum McGregor, Sebastian Tunekti, Reo Hatate – Daizen Maeda.
Defenders Marcelo Saracchi, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, midfielder Callum Osmund and forward Jota Neves are injured. Midfielder Reo Hatate is suspended.
Utrecht
Utrecht, along with Malmö and Maccabi Tel Aviv, have not won a single match in the current group stage. The trio have each collected only one point and effectively lost the chance to fight for the play-offs a round ago. The club arrive at the upcoming match after three consecutive defeats in this European competition, with two of the recent losses occurring at home. Interestingly, in both of the team's last matches in the tournament Utrecht lost due to collapses in the second half. It is also worth noting that Utrecht have scored just 3 goals, with only the Israeli clubs (2 goals) showing worse attacking numbers.
- The club's winless run in this competition stands at 8 matches (2 draws and 6 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in five of Utrecht's previous Europa League matches.
- The visitors failed to score in the first half in their last seven matches in this tournament.
Potential Utrecht Lineup (4-3-3)*
Utrecht: Michael Brouwer – Derry Murkin, Mike Erdhayzen, Matiss Didden, Niklas Westerlund – Alonzo Tim Engwanda-Onjena, Dani de Wit, Gian Bozdogan – Yoann Katlin, Miguel Rodriguez, Sebastian Aller.
Forwards Viktor Jensen and David Min will miss the match due to injuries.
Referee
Muhammad Al-Emara (Finland)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (Including Second Yellows) – 45;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 3.8;
Red Cards Shown – 4;
Fouls Per Match On Average – 24;
Penalties – 58%.
Celtic vs Utrecht: Match Prediction
Even a draw would be disastrous for Celtic, so fully aware of the importance of the result in this match they are focused solely on three points. The hosts have plenty of tournament motivation, while the visitors have none. Utrecht arrive at Celtic Park with one objective — to end their suffering in European competition. We believe that Utrecht will not only lose but will also fail to score in this match.
Celtic have long been known for their resilience at this stadium. In their nine previous home Europa League matches the club claimed 6 wins and suffered 3 defeats, the losses coming against strong opponents — Bayer, Braga and Roma. Utrecht lost their three previous away matches in this competition, scoring just one goal in those games.
Prediction: Celtic To Win To Nil
* The starting lineup for each team is indicated from their previous match in this competition.
