Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas doesn't believe there's a incoming glory night against Champions League rivals RB Leipzig.
Group F is delicately poised, however, the pundit fears Parkhead punters will have to settle for a goal-laden draw amid the absence of Callum McGregor. The skipper is set to be out until after the World Cup and Nicholas believes the tempo set by the man in the middle is hard to replicate with Matt O'Riley in line to land a deeper role. Aaron Mooy also eyeing a rare start and Jota is facing a fight to be fit.
Celtic know a win will breathe new life into their hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League but are acutely aware of the threat Christopher Nkunku and Co possess after last week's sobering 3-1 defeat last week. Nicholas is predicting goals in a pulsating encounter but thinks the lack of three points will cost Celtic a shot in the knockout stage.
Speaking to the Express, he said: "However, the loss of captain Callum McGregor is such a major blow.There is no replacement because he brings such different qualities to the team. There is a rhythm and a fluency about his play and he protects the ball better than anyone else. He is going to be sorely missed.
"Matt O'Riley was used in a deeper role at St Johnstone on Saturday but the balance is off without McGregor and that's why I don't think Celtic will take three points from the Germans. Leipzig have dangerous players up front with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, who is so quick, and Andre Silva. They also have clever midfield players but they are vulnerable at the back, so it has all the makings of being a really entertaining game.
"I wouldn't be surprised if the attacking flair of each side and their defensive frailties even themselves up on the night. That's why I'm predicting a 2-2 draw - but a point won't be enough for Celtic to take into their penultimate game against Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnight. While the Hoops can still land a Europa League last-32 spot by finishing third."
And Nicholas doesn't hold out much hope for Rangers against toiling Liverpool. But he has urged the Ibrox side to go for broke on home turf.
He added: "I think Rangers' hopes of that parachute place will be extinguished after tomorrow's game against Liverpool at Ibrox. I just can't see Giovanni van Bronchkhorst's side getting anything from the Reds. With Serie A leaders Napoli and Dutch giants Ajax also in the section, there's no doubt Rangers ended up in the group of death. As soon as the draw was made I felt there was only a very slight chance of finishing third at best. The Ibrox men must take at least a point tomorrow if they are to have any hopes of remaining in Europe beyond Christmas. Rangers will need to have a go in front of their own fans but that will just invite Jurgen Klopp's side to pick them off. Still, they might as well be bold and lose 3-1 or 4-1 rather be as tame as they were at Anfield last week."
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