Celtic should be full of confidence heading into the Europa League last 32 tie against Copenhagen. The side are in an excellent run of form, having won our last nine fixtures in all competitions.
However, that doesn’t mean that the Hoops will have it easy against the Danish side. After all, they deserve respect for making it to the same stage of the competition that Celtic have.
The game could go down to individual battles. One player that the Hoops will need to get the better off to ensure that the team gets a good result to take to Glasgow is Copenhagen centre-back Victor Nelsson.
Nelsson has been one of the Danish side’s best players in the Europa League this season.
Won an impressive number of aerial duels
According to football data side WhoScored.com, Nelsson has won an impressive 5.6 aerial duels per game in five Europa League appearances so far this season.
He also has a successful pass percentage rate of 81.1% in his appearances in the tournament so far. He has also made six clearances.
The fact that Copenhagen only conceded four goals in the Europa League group stages this season shows that defence is a strong part of their game.
Hoops defender will be looking to win battles
One player who will be looking to get the better of Nelsson in the air is Christopher Jullien, who has been excellent for the Hoops at set pieces this season. He has scored seven goals for Celtic so far this season.
The battle between the duo could have a big impact on the game. If Jullien can get the better of Nelsson, it could pay dividends for the Hoops going forward.
However, as Nelsson seems to be so good in the air, perhaps Celtic will prefer to keep the ball on the ground. That could be the key to getting a good result in Copenhagen.
As Copenhagen have conceded so few goals in the group stages, Celtic will have to take the chances they get on the night. Getting the better of Nelsson would be a good start.
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