Brendan Rodgers’ side have been given a huge fighting chance in UEFA Champions League Group C and will look to grab a first win in the competition in order to remain the running for a place in the knockouts against Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday night.

Rodgers stamping his mark on Celtic

Many of football fans were critical over Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as Celtic boss back in May, but former Liverpool manager has silenced his doubters by lifting the Celtic’s play to a higher level, leading them to several memorable results this season. One such result was definitely a 3-3 draw against Manchester City last time out in the Champions League, but the same thing could be said for the hugely disappointing 7-0 loss to Barcelona at the opening of this year’s competition Celtic players will struggle to forget. With one point from two group matches, Celtic still have a fighting chance as they are looking to build on a 2-0 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. Scott Sinclair fired the hosts in front in Glasgow with Moussa Dembele winning and converting a late penalty to seal a victory for his team. Celtic are feeling fairly confident over their chances against Monchengladbach as two sides meet for the first time at Celtic Park.

Celtic goalkeeper Logan Bailly is unavailable for selection due to an ankle injury. Winger Gary Mackay-Steven is suffering from the same problem, but the 26-year-old will be hoping to shake off the knock in time for the Wednesday’s match.

Monchengladbach on a poor run

Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach have experienced all sorts of problems lately which saw them win only two of their last eight matches across all competitions. Andre Schubert’s men were unlucky not to win their last match against Hamburg, having missed two penalties in a goalless Bundesliga stalemate. Monchengladbach ended up feeling frustratingly disappointed as they got held by their rivals despite playing against 10 men for much of the match. Schubert’s side are facing a fresh challenge in the Champions League as they prepare for a trip to Celtic Park, looking to record their first win in the competition. Pretty much a surprise package in Europe’s elite competition, Monchengladbach opened their European account with consecutive defeats to Man City and Barcelona, respectively, which means that Celtic clash might be their last chance to survive the winter.

Tobias Strobl returns to the squad after a few weeks on the sidelines, while Patrick Hermann will be hoping for an extended spell in the teal having made his first Bundesliga start of the season at the weekend. Thorgan Hazard and Raffael are both carrying slight injuries and will be serious doubts for the forthcoming fixture.

Verdict

Scottish greats are currently in decent form and are preparing to welcome the Bundesliga rivals after going six matches without a loss. Encouraged by their latest result in the competition, Brendan Rodgers’ men are firm favourites to land three points that could help them remain in the running for knockout stages of this year’s edition of the UEFA Champions League.

Top pick: Celtic   3.20 (11/5) @Bet365

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – No   2.70 (17/10) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Celtic to win to Nil   6.50 (11/2) @PaddyPower