The Scottish Premiership side host Pep Guardiola’s men in the Champions League.
Graeme Souness
Graeme Souness has suggested that while Celtic could potentially cause an upset when they face Manchester City in the Champions League this week, he is expecting another long night for Brendan Rodgers’ men, the Evening Times reports.
The Hoops go into the game against Pep Guardiola’s side looking to bounce back after being thrashed 7-0 by Barcelona on the opening day of the Champions League group-stages. And while they have home advantage when they face the Citizens on Wednesday, their task of getting off the mark will not be that much easier than it was in the Nou Camp.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
And while former Rangers boss Souness believes that the Parkhead atmosphere could enhance their chances, he is expecting the Premier League side to come out on top.
“You would have to say that going into [the Manchester City] game on the back of being beaten 7-0 and playing against a team whose tail is firmly up and playing with a great deal of confidence, it could be another difficult night,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
“On the flip side of that, going to Parkhead is never any easy game. I found that. It is a difficult place to play.
“The crowd get behind them and they could catch City on a bad night. But if you are asking me I think it could be another difficult night for Celtic.”
Celtic’s Scott Brown with Rodgers after the Barcelona defeat
The Bhoys’ hopes have been boosted recently by the news that City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will miss the game through injury (via Telegraph).
However, City undoubtedly have more than enough quality to make up for the Belgian’s absence. Since Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium, the club have won all 10 games they have played in all competitions, scoring 30 goals and conceding just six along the way.
And if they settle in to the game quickly at Celtic Park, it would be difficult to imagine the Hoops being able to cope with the talent on show.
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