Celtic head into Thursday’s Europa League play-off second leg against AIK with a 2-0 lead. It is too early to tell yet if that advantage is enough for the Hoops to reach the group stages,
However, there is a statistic that should give the Hoops encouragement going into the game. Celtic have scored in every competitive game they have played in this season.
That is a good sign for the Hoops’ prospects of making the group stages of the Europa League. Celtic might have had issues this season when it comes to conceding goals. Especially in the 4-3 loss to Cluj.
Relentless when it comes to scoring goals
But when it comes to scoring goals, the Hoops have been relentless so far this season. In 11 competitive games so far this season, the Hoops have scored 32 goals.
The good thing is that it is no only strikers who have found the back of the net for Celtic. Midfielders have been contributing as well.
James Forrest and Mikey Johnston in particular have weighed in with some vital goals. Celtic will still have to ensure that they don’t make any silly errors at the back against AIK.
Defence must do its job
That was what cost the team against Cluj. The Hoops attack was terrific in that game, but the same can’t be said about the defence.
However, Celtic seem to have recovered in the matches since then, conceding two goals in three games.
However, Neil Lennon will be delighted that he has the forward players who can get the tie against AIK won. Even Vakoun Issouf Bayo, who has been a bit-part player, could be in contention after his excellent performance against Hearts.
Celtic looked comfortable in the first leg against AIK, and the Hoops are more than capable of getting a good result in the second leg.
The statistics show that scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem – so it could be up to the defence to do their job properly.
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