Celtic vs Utrecht predictions and betting tips – Hoops hopes in the balance

There is a way that Celtic can qualify for the Europa League knockout phase without beating Utrecht, but their best chance of extending their participation in the competition is by emerging victorious on Thursday night.

Can Utrecht deny Celtic, or will Martin O’Neill’s men march on at Parkhead? Here is our preview of the game.

• Celtic win with a -1.5 handicap – evens with Tote
• Celtic to win the first half – 4/5 with Betfred
• Benjamin Nygren to score any time – 21/20 with SBK

Celtic vs Utrecht odds

Find the latest Celtic vs Utrecht betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

Celtic vs Utrecht predictions

Celtic were just a few minutes away from what would have been a huge win in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Leading 2-1 heading into the closing stages of their game against Heart of Midlothian, Celtic were on course to move within three points of top spot.

However, having had Aaron Trusty sent off with 13 minutes left on the clock, the Hoops could not quite hold on. Claudio Braga struck in the 87th minute to restore parity and earn the league leaders a point.

Martin O’Neill’s men are now third in the Premiership, with Rangers’ 3-0 defeat of Dundee moving them above their chief adversaries.

A six-point deficit means Celtic are still in the race and it is interesting to note that the bookies have them down as favourites ahead of both Rangers and Hearts.

Aside from the Scottish Cup in the case of Rangers, neither of Celtic’s rival contenders will have any distractions after this week.

Hearts are not in Europe this season, while Rangers will bow out of the Europa League regardless of what happens in their clash with Porto this week.

Celtic, on the other hand, still have something to play for on the continent. Currently 24th in the Europa League standings, the Hoops will enter the knockout phase play-offs provided they do not drop any lower.

While a draw may ultimately be enough for Celtic to extend their participation in the competition into February, only a win would guarantee them a play-off berth.

It has been a continental campaign of ups and downs so far, with Celtic unable to string a consistent run of results together. Here is the outcome of their seven games to date: draw, loss, win, loss, win, loss, draw.

There were mixed feelings after the 2-2 draw with Bologna on matchday seven. Celtic would probably have taken a point before the game, but they threw away a 2-0 lead at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

This game against Utrecht looks like a more straightforward assignment, although O’Neill must ensure his players do not take anything for granted.

Utrecht have taken just one point from the first 21 available, leaving them without a shot of even the play-offs. The Dutch team have found things tough in the Europa League, but they will be determined to bow out with their heads held high.

Celtic vs Utrecht betting tips

Celtic are likely to need a win to keep their Europa League campaign alive beyond the league phase.

Celtic to stay alive

Even if the Premiership title is a bigger priority for Celtic than the Europa League, they should try to win this match as comfortably as possible.

This has been a turbulent season for the Hoops, who have not been able to build momentum along the way.

Putting together a run of consecutive victories in all competitions would help O’Neill’s side to do precisely that. 

Utrecht, for their part, have really struggled at this level. With nothing to play for, this could be a long evening for Ron Jans and his players.

Celtic have what it takes to triumph by a two-goal margin at the very least.

Go for a Celtic win with a -1.5 handicap at evens with Tote

Hoops seek fast start

With six matches to play between now and the middle of February, Celtic will hope to get this one wrapped up as quickly as possible.

Expect the home team to play with intensity and energy from the first whistle. The last thing the Hoops need is a stressful 90 minutes.

If only first halves were taken into account (which would, admittedly, be a pointless exercise), Celtic would be top of the Premiership right now.

O’Neill’s team got off to a quick start against Bologna last week, when they led 2-0 at the break.

Celtic should get the better of Utrecht from minutes one to 45.

Back Celtic to win the first half at 4/5 with Betfred

Nygren can find net

Benjamin Nygren found the back of the net against Hearts at the weekend.

That goal took this tally for the campaign to 13 in all competitions, a return that none of his team-mates can better.

Whether he is deployed as a No.10 or in a deeper midfield role, Nygren routinely carries a threat in the final third.

Utrecht have struggled to keep opposition attacks quiet in the Europa League, so we like Nygren’s chances of making it 14 goals for 2025/26.

Choose Benjamin Nygren to score any time 21/20 with SBK

Celtic vs Utrecht predicted lineups

• Celtic expected lineup: Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Nygren; Yang, Cvancara, Maeda.
• Utrecht expected lineup: Barkas; Horemans, Didden, Viergever, El Karouani; Engwanda, Bozdogan; Cathline, De Wit, Karlsson; Rodriguez. 

Where to watch Celtic vs Utrecht

• Location: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland.
• Date and time: Thursday 29th January, 8pm.
• How to watch: TNT Sports 4.

More Europa League predictions

We have plenty more Europa League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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