Celtic vs Utrecht Prediction: Hoops to secure their play-off spot

Celtic are fighting to keep their Uefa Europa League campaign alive when they host Utrecht at Parkhead on Thursday (20:00 GMT, TNT Sports 4). The Hoops currently occupy the final play-off spot (24th) heading into the last round of fixtures.

The visitors haven't won a single game during the league phase and their journey is already at an end. Read on for my Celtic vs Utrecht predictions, supported by the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

Marcelo Saracchi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmond (all hamstring), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles) and Jota (knee) remain sidelined for Celtic through injury.

Kieran Tierney picked up an injury in Sunday's Scottish Premiership draw at Hearts and is considered a doubt for Thursday. Reo Hatate will miss the game through suspension, which will come as a blow for boss Martin O'Neill.

January signing Tomas Cvancara is ineligible to feature as he is not registered in the Bhoys' European squad.

Football Odds

For Utrecht, they are missing Victor Jensen because of a knee problem. David Min (unspecified) and Emirhan Demircan (thigh) are both doubts for this clash.

Boss Ron Jans will be sweating over the fitness of defender Mike Eerdhuijzen, who picked up an injury in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Sparta Rotterdam.

Today's Football Fixtures

Celtic vs Utrecht Odds

Celtic are perceived as the 1/3 favourites to win this clash but they have won just two of their three home matches in the league phase.

Four of Utrecht's European games have featured under 2.5 goals, which combined with a Celtic win presents an 11/4 (implied probability of 26.7%) price.

The visitors are 8/1 to disrupt the Hoops' plans and win the contest.

BTTS - No has been a winning selection in four of Utrecht's seven outings in the UEL and is marketed at 8/11 for Thursday.

Which Team To Score - Only Celtic @ 23/20

As the only team with something to fight for here, the onus will be on Celtic to utilise their home advantage to secure three points and book their place in the knockout stage play-offs.

Utrecht have had a very disappointing campaign, with just one point from seven games, which surprisingly came at home against Porto. Every other game they have lost, including all three of their away trips, so the hosts should capitalise on this on Thursday.

The Hoops should also take note that the Cathedral Citizens have failed to score in four of their seven outings in the league phase, including two of their three away fixtures.

With that in mind, I think there is value in backing Celtic as the only team to score in the contest. The Dutch visitors have nothing to play for and probably just want the game over and done with, so as crunch games go, this is considered a free hit for the Bhoys.

Total Goals - Under 2.5 @ 11/8

Following on from that, I don't think it will take much for Celtic to secure victory here, so I am anticipating a low-scoring contest. Under 2.5 goals appeals at 11/8 because it has been a winning selection in four of Utrecht's appearances in the league phase, which includes two of their away matches and their most recent home outing against Genk.

For Celtic, there have been fewer than three goals scored in two of their league phase fixtures, including one on home turf as they were beaten 2-0 by Braga back in October.

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