‘They could be’: Ex-Parkhead star issues honest Celtic verdict ahead of Leverkusen trip

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Andreas Hinkel believes now may be a good time for Celtic to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League while the Bundesliga outfit are struggling for form, via Football Scotland.

The Bhoys lost 4-0 at home to Die Werkself in September, as they opened the group stage with back-to-back losses. But have since beaten Ferencvaros twice to edge into contention.

Leverkusen are still unbeaten in Europe this season to top Group G with a three-point lead over Real Betis. The La Liga outfit meanwhile hold a one-point lead over the Parkhead side.

But while Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in Europe, Gerardo Seoane’s men have only won two of their last eight across all competitions. They returned to form with a 4-0 rout of Real Betis earlier this month, before edging Bochum 1-0 on Saturday.

Hinkel issues honest Celtic verdict ahead of Leverkusen trip

Former Parkhead star Hinkel feels Bayer Leverkusen’s run of results should give Celtic belief ahead of their Europa League clash. With the Bhoys unbeaten since facing Die Werkself.

“I can see that Celtic, after the defeat to Leverkusen, have won every game except one, which was a draw,” Hinkel said.

“Sometimes football is in the head and, at this moment, it might be that Celtic has just a little bit more self-confidence. They could be stronger in the head at this time.

“It is natural to say that, due to the quality of the Leverkusen players, they are the favourites to win the match because they are also at home.

“But the head is important. Always during a season, Leverkusen can have periods when they are not strong or consistent.

“They always have a good team, with good players, playing [on the] counter-attack. But at the moment, it’s not that bad a time to face them.”

Ange Postecoglou will want to maintain Celtic’s unbeaten run at Bayer Leverkusen to give the Bhoys a chance of progressing out of their Europa League group.

The Hoops are enjoying a rich run of form with eight wins in their last nine games across all competitions. They have also kept five clean sheets since conceding four to Leverkusen.

To now beat Leverkusen and close the gap in Group G may give Celtic a boost to reach the knockout phase. As they should have the self-belief to challenge the Bundesliga outfit.