Former England striker Chris Sutton believes that the ‘atmosphere may carry Celtic to victory’ against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday.
Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic take on Bayern Munich in their first Champions League knockout match since 2013 on Wednesday, and ex-striker Chris Sutton thinks that the famous Celtic Park atmosphere could have an effect on the result.
The Bhoys ended the league phase in 21st place after managing three wins and three draws across their eight fixtures, while their play-off opponents finished three points ahead in 12th place, just one point shy of the top eight.
While both sides are in comfortable positions at the top of their respective domestic leagues and come into this one off the back of winning runs, the Bavarians are clear favourites to advance to the round of 16.
Vincent Kompany’s side are rated at around 19/50 by the UK’s best football betting sites to prevail in Glasgow, while a shock victory for Celtic is priced at 6/1 and a draw is valued at around 9/2.
Chris Sutton: ‘Atmosphere May Carry Celtic To Victory’ vs Bayern
Speaking on BBC 5 Live Breakfast ahead of the first leg, Sutton claimed that the Celtic Park atmosphere has the potential to carry the Scottish champions to a seismic victory over the Bundesliga giants.
“Because of their domestic dominance, I think that the Celtic supporters were looking at the team and the barometer of progress was always going to be in the Champions League and getting out of the group stage and into the playoffs – it is absolutely massive for Brendan Rodgers,” he said.
“It’s a massive game for Celtic. And look, the expectation is on Bayern Munich. Their expectation will be to go on in the competition.
“Of course, that was never Celtic’s expectation. It was about getting out of the group stage. But they are here. They can give it a go. And it’s about staying in the tie, making sure when Celtic do go over to Munich that they’ve still got something to play for. And you just don’t know.
“Bayern Munich have lost three away games in the competition so far this season but they still are a formidable opposition. Celtic will have their work cut out, but you don’t know. The atmosphere may just carry Celtic to victory tonight. You feel that it has to happen for Celtic at Celtic Park, really. It’ll be difficult going over to the Allianz.”
Brendan Rodgers’ side return to European action for the second leg next Tuesday, away in Germany, but not before hosting Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
