Celtic FC – RC Celta Preview – Who needs it more?
Neither side has a point to show for the Europa League so far, and that is the whole story. Celtic are 34th, Celta 29th, and our Celtic vs Celta betting tips start from one simple idea: someone has to take a risk on Thursday, 22 October 2026, with kick-off expected at 19:00 GMT.
Celtic arrive buzzing at home. The 7-1 win over Hearts at the weekend put them four points clear in the Scottish Premiership, with Osmand and Nygren scoring two apiece. Martin O’Neill, back in the dugout since January and the man who delivered last season’s league and Scottish Cup double, has a front four that is in full flow.
The trouble sits at the other end. Celtic shipped three to Ferencváros and four to Benfica in their two European games, and Cameron Carter-Vickers is out injured, along with Yang Hyun-jun.
Celta come in with their own mixed picture. They beat Alavés 2-1 to move up to eighth in La Liga, and their only European defeats have been a 1-0 loss in Cyprus and a 2-1 loss to Juventus. Claudio Giráldez’s side can score, with Jutglà among the forwards, and they will not be frightened by the atmosphere.
Home advantage gives Celtic the nod, but only just. This is close to a coin-toss, and an open one.
Celtic FC – RC Celta Betting Tips
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
- Celtic FC have seen three or more goals in three of their last five matches
- RC Celta have seen three or more goals in three of their last five matches
- Celtic FC have scored 11 goals in their last five matches
Celtic have conceded seven in two European games, and both sides are pointless, so neither can sit back. Add Celtic’s in-form attack and the case for goals is easy to make. This is high-scoring territory.
Betting Tip: Both teams to score
- Celtic FC have conceded in four of their last five matches
- RC Celta have scored in four of their last five matches
- Celtic FC have scored in four of their last five matches
Both sides scored in their last European games, and Celtic’s backline, missing Carter-Vickers, is leaking. Celta have enough quality going forward to find a goal at Celtic Park, and Celtic should be able to find one against any defence. We like this one a lot.
Betting Tip: RC Celta draw no bet
- RC Celta have won three of their last five matches
- Celtic FC have lost three of their last five matches
Celta lost only narrowly to Juventus, while Celtic’s defence is short of its best centre-half. Celtic have the home crowd, but Celta are the better value on this one. A draw no bet gives you your stake back if it ends level, which is a sensible safety net in a game this open.
To place these bets, view the latest match odds and compare the prices before kick-off. Check the team news first, as the starting line-ups have not been confirmed.
What to expect at Celtic Park
Celtic’s last European outing, the heavy defeat to Benfica, is covered in our Benfica vs Celtic preview, and it showed how quickly this team can come apart against sharp opposition. At home, against a Celta side that likes to play, the game should be stretched. Celtic will push hard for a first win, which leaves space behind them.
Celta’s own night against the Italians is worth a read in our Celta vs Juventus piece. They lost, but they were competitive, and that matters here. Two teams who both need a result, and neither with a defence you would trust, point towards goals at both ends.
Frequently asked questions
When does Celtic vs Celta kick off?
Thursday, 22 October 2026, with kick-off expected at 19:00 GMT.
Who is the favourite?
Celtic have a narrow edge thanks to home advantage, but it is an even contest.
What is our main tip for this match?
Over 2.5 goals, with both teams to score close behind.
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