With a massive game coming up this Thursday, we take a look at the numbers behind Celtic vs Suduva.
The Hoops simply cannot afford to go out against the Lithuanians at Celtic Park. Fortunately, Brendan Rodgers’ men have a 1-1 advantage to take back to Parkhead after notching an away goal in Lithuania.
However, with the potential sale of Moussa Dembele in the pipeline, a cloud has once again hovered over Parkhead.
Thursday night will give fans the chance to forget about transfer business for now though.
Confident Hoops
Celtic have every reason to be confident heading into this one as well.
The Hoops have come up against Lithuanian opposition a total of five times in the past. Celtic have won four out of those five, and their only draw was the 1-1 stalemate last week.
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In saying that, Celtic have only ever faced two Lithuanian sides – Suduva and Kaunas. Two of the five meetings were against the latter, where Celtic won both without conceding a goal.
A clean sheet would ensure the Scottish champions go through to the Europa League group stages. It’s been seven years since Celtic have failed to reach the group stage of any European competition.
That came under Neil Lennon back in the 2010/11 season.
Suduva record
Against Suduva in particular, the Hoops recorded a terrific 8-1 success against the Lithuanians back in 2002 at Celtic Park. That was during the first round of the UEFA Cup under Martin O’Neill.
Suduva’s goal that night at Parkhead was the only goal Lithuanian opposition has scored at Parkhead in history.
In more recent times, Celtic have lost just one of their last seven European matches. That defeat was in Athens in the Champions League qualifier earlier this month.
There aren’t many omens against Rodgers’ side. All roads lead to a victory on Thursday night, and so they should against the quality of opposition Celtic are facing.