Celtic vs Bayern Munich: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | Feb 12, 2025

Celtic will host Bayern Munich at Celtic Park on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:00 pm UK time, in the first leg of their Champions League knockout round play-offs. The Hoops return to the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years, while Bayern Munich face the risk of missing out on the last 16 for the first time in over two decades.

Interesting Fact:

Bayern Munich have not lost to Scottish opposition since 1989, going 13 games unbeaten, including four against Celtic.

Team Analysis

Celtic

Celtic finished 21st in the league phase, securing a knockout-round spot thanks to a strong home record. Their campaign included a memorable 3-1 win over RB Leipzig, marking their first-ever victory against a German club in Europe.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have been in excellent domestic form, scoring 11 goals in their last two home matches. However, their history in the Champions League knockout rounds is bleak, having lost all three previous ties.

Form:

• Last 5 matches: W-W-W-L-W
• Last match: 5-0 win vs Raith Rovers

Key Players:

• Adam Idah: The Irish forward has scored four goals in his last three matches and will be key to Celtic’s attack.
• Callum McGregor: The experienced midfielder was on target the last time Celtic faced Bayern in 2017.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Daizen Maeda (suspended)
• Paulo Bernardo (out, injury)
• James Forrest (out, injury)

Bayern Munich

Bayern finished 12th in the league phase and missed out on an automatic last-16 spot due to poor away form. They lost three times on the road in the group stage, including heavy defeats to Barcelona and Feyenoord.

Despite defensive frailties, Bayern have been ruthless in attack, scoring 20 goals in eight matches. They enter this fixture on a four-match winning streak in all competitions.

Form:

• Last 5 matches: W-W-W-W-L
• Last match: 3-0 win vs Werder Bremen

Key Players:

• Harry Kane: The England captain has scored six goals in the Champions League this season, ranking among the top scorers.
• Kingsley Coman: The French winger netted in Bayern’s last Champions League meeting with Celtic in 2017.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Alphonso Davies (out, hamstring injury)
• Joao Palhinha (doubtful, illness)
• Serge Gnabry (doubtful, illness)

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

• The last meeting between Celtic and Bayern Munich ended in a 2-1 win for the Bavarians in 2017.
• Bayern have never lost to Celtic in four meetings, winning three and drawing one.
• Celtic have won just one of their 21 matches against past Champions League winners.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Celtic 1-3 Bayern Munich

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Despite Celtic’s strong home record, Bayern’s attacking firepower should prove too much. The visitors have struggled defensively, but their experience in Europe gives them the edge.

Betting Tips

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
3. Anytime Goalscorer: Harry Kane

Possible Lineups

Celtic (4-3-3):
Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Idah, Yang

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):
Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Coman, Musiala, Olise; Kane

Hot Stat

Celtic are unbeaten in their last 35 home matches across all competitions, making Celtic Park a fortress.

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