They say that history is a great barometer of what’s to come. And history tells us that Celtic are going to score against Lazio on Thursday night.
Neil Lennon may be taking his team to the side currently ranked fourth in Serie A. A team packed full of attacking talent like Ciro Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. But it’s been keeping the ball out at the other end that’s been a problem for Le Aquile in the Europa League in recent seasons – especially at home.
In fact, Simone Inzaghi’s men haven’t had a home shut-out in the competition in nine matches. Nine separate European outfits have come to the Stadio Olimpico and netted. Only Sevilla and Frankfurt may have ended up winning, but there’s definitely some scope for Celtic positivity.
If the likes of Apollon Limassol and Vitesse can score in Rome then chances are that we can do the same.
Celtic don’t have to chase the game against Lazio
Since losing to Livingston last month we’ve registered 19 goals in five matches. The likes of Odsonne Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi are bang in form and will fancy continuing their hot-streak against the Italians.
Keeping the ball out at the other end will be the big challenge for the Bhoys. It’s crucial that we defend manfully, as we did in Rennes, and then look to exploit the opposition on the counter.
Lennon has already proven that he knows how to set up the side in Europe. His team is far more robust that his predecessor – with whom it often felt like a matter of when and not if we were going to concede.
So often in the past it has been ourselves having to chase a game in matchday four. Thankfully, this time, it’s the opposition who need to go all out for the points. If we can keep them at bay you would really fancy us grabbing one up the other end.
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