UEFA Champions League: Anderlecht vs Celtic

Anderlecht face Celtic at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on Wednesday evening, in the second round of Champions League group stage matches.

The Belgians come into this match in mixed form, despite winning their last match 2-1 against Waasland.

Isaac Kiese Thelin (7) opened the scoring for the home side, with Waasland going into the break 1-0 up.

Romanian international Nicolae Stanciu grabbed the equaliser for Anderlecht in the second half to make it 1-1 (75)

Stanciu then set up the winner for Uros Spajic just six minutes later (81), giving the visitors an undeserved 2-1 win.

It means the Belgians come into this match on the wrong side of the form guide, despite being in poor form they have secured a vital three points.

The defending champions find themselves in 7th place in the Belgian Pro League, a tough start.

They are nine points behind current leaders Club Brugge, but a home win against Celtic could turn their form around.

Anderlecht now turn their attentions to the Champions League, this tie appears to be a straight battle for third place.

The Belgians suffered a tough start to life in Group B, losing 3-0 against Bayern Munich in the opening game.

The Belgians do come into this match as underdogs, despite having home advantage.

This is a tough group but this match would appear to be a race to qualify for the Europa League for both sides.

Anderlecht will be looking to secure their second win in three games against Celtic.

Excellent Start

The Hoops come into this match in excellent form, with another win over old firm rivals Rangers at the weekend.

The gulf in class between the two rivals has been extended further, with Celtic winning 2-0 at Ibrox.

Tom Rogic (50) opened the scoring for Celtic in the second half, smashing home the opener just five minutes after the restart.

Leigh Griffiths slotted home just 15 minutes later (65), ensuring that Rangers suffered another Old Firm defeat.

It also means Celtic continue their incredible unbeaten run, with Rodgers yet to taste defeat in the SPL.

Rodgers will be delighted with the Hoops start this season, their unbeaten run now extends all the way back to May 2016.

They are two points clear of Aberdeen, but Celtic are in pole position even at this stage to secure another SPL title.

Celtic will be turning their attentions to the Champions League now, this will be a huge match in the battle for third place.

With both Bayern Munich and PSG in their group, third is the best they can hope for, they lost 5-0 to PSG in their opening group game.

Celtic do come into this match as favourites, with Anderlecht struggling for domestic and European form.

This is a tough group and match for Celtic, the Europa League spot will be an excellent finish for Rodgers.

The Hoops will be looking to make it back to back wins against Anderlecht, albeit 13 years apart.

Tip 1 – Dembele to score first @ 5/1

Tip 2 – 2-2 draw @ 12/1