Celtic can use their record signing to exploit Red Bull Salzburg’s defence in their crunch Europa League tie.
Celtic must avoid defeat against the Austrian champions tonight to progress to the last 32 of the competition.
Odsonne Edouard has already enjoyed success against the shaky back-line of Salzburg.
In only the second minute of the first game in October, Edouard latched onto a long ball down the left flank.
The Frenchman ran towards goal, charging at the retreating defenders. He calmly slotted the ball under the goalkeeper to give Celtic a shock lead.
However Celtic would go on and lose 3-1 on the night, with James Forrest seeing red in the second half.
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All in all, it was another typical Celtic away game in Europe. They lost convincingly and collapsed shortly after their defence was breached.
While things may not have gotten any better for Celtic later in the game, there were positive signs.
Edouard got a lot of joy out of the two central defenders, in particular Andre Ramalho.
The Brazilian defender had no answer for Eduoard’s pace and power. Time and time again in the first half the Frenchman spun away from his marker on the break.
The directness of Edouard charging at goal should have brought about a second goal for Celtic on the stroke of half time.
On a rare break forward, Edouard dragged the ball and numerous defenders with him towards goal. He fluffed his lines before Leigh Griffiths tapped in, however he was offside.
2-0 may have flattered Celtic at the half in that particular game. However, with Edouard in their arsenal, Celtic have the capability to hurt this defence.
Home comforts
Stats have shown that Celtic’s record signing may prefer to play in front his own fans rather than at away venues.
However, Edouard did hurt Salzburg in their own stadium in October. With tonight’s game being at a packed Celtic Park, the Frenchman will be hungry to add to his two goals in the competition so far.
Celtic’s top goalscorer may well have to add to his tally if Celtic are going to complete a treble of home wins in the competition.
A Celtic win would give them 12 points, which would be their highest ever points tally from group competition.
A 2-0 win means they progress as group winners.
If October’s tie is still fresh in Edouard’s mind, he will relish the chance to finally finish off Salzburg’s shaky defence.