Away Days AIK v Celtic Match Preview

Another midweek and another European game for Celtic. AIK stand in the way of Celtic booking their spot in the Europa League.

Stockholm is the location as Celtic try to defend a two nil lead over the Swedish champions in the second leg of the play off round.

Last week at paradise, Celtic recorded a comfortable 2-0 win with goals from Edouard and Forrest. Celtic fans would have felt more comfortable traveling had the team scored one or two more in Glasgow. We have all seen some unfathomable European performances to be too confident ahead of the match in Sweden.

Both sides recorded 3-1 victories in their league matches at the weekend, Celtic against Hearts and AIK away to Ostersund.

BAYO

Neil Lennon gave Bayo the opportunity to shine on Sunday and shine he did. The Ivorian striker showed a willingness to cover ground and caused the Hearts defence a handful the whole match. Having said all that, it is highly likely Edouard will lead the attack against AIK.

AIK have performed better at home in Europe this season than on their travels, although in the last round they beat Sheriff 2-1 away and drew 1-1 in Sweden.

It is a big week for Celtic, the chance to qualify for the Europa League and the Glasgow derby on Sunday as well as the transfer window closing.

If Celtic can qualify for the group stage, will it see the club dip back into the transfer market? Only time will tell. However the way the club has gone about its transfer business so far I wouldn’t bet on it.

MORE SIGNINGS

The second of two loan signings was confirmed on Wednesday as right back Mortitz Bauer signed from Stoke to join Fraser Forster. Fousenni Diabate is another rumoured loan signing. The attacking midfielder plays for Leicester City.

A left back and defensive midfielder would be the positions that I would like to see recruited.

Celtic should score in Stockholm, if the defence can hold out then hello Europa League.

Prediction AIK 1-1 Celtic.

Mick Kane hails from Glasgow. He has been hooked on Celtic since he went to his first game when he was 7. Celtic beat Hamilton 8-3 at Celtic Park on the 3rd of January 1987. His favourite player at the time, Brian McClair scored four goals.

He started going regular as a 16 year old when Celtic played at Hampden for the season, being a Southsider it meant a short train journey to get to Hampden. From then he has had a season ticket travelled around Europe for games as Celtic became the dominant force in Scottish football again. A nice change from growing up during Rangers run to 9 in a row.

 

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