Four talking points ahead of Celtic v Anderlecht

Celtic conclude their doomed Champions League campaign when they take on Anderlecht at Parkhead on Tuesday night.

However, the Hoops can clinch a Europa League spot against the Belgian side. Here are the main talking points ahead of the Group B clash.

Celtic bidding for progress

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Alexandru Chipciu of Anderlecht and Kieran Tierney of Celtic battle for possession during the September meeting in Brussels. Picture: Getty ImagesAlexandru Chipciu of Anderlecht and Kieran Tierney of Celtic battle for possession during the September meeting in Brussels. Picture: Getty Images
Alexandru Chipciu of Anderlecht and Kieran Tierney of Celtic battle for possession during the September meeting in Brussels. Picture: Getty Images

There is no surprise that European heavyweights Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, handing out defeats home and away to both sides.

But Celtic’s fine 3-0 away win against Anderlecht puts them in pole position for third place in Group B and a Europa League spot.

The Scottish champions need to avoid the same or heavier defeat against Anderlecht.

Stick or twist?

Alexandru Chipciu of Anderlecht and Kieran Tierney of Celtic battle for possession during the September meeting in Brussels. Picture: Getty ImagesAlexandru Chipciu of Anderlecht and Kieran Tierney of Celtic battle for possession during the September meeting in Brussels. Picture: Getty Images
Alexandru Chipciu of Anderlecht and Kieran Tierney of Celtic battle for possession during the September meeting in Brussels. Picture: Getty Images

If the Belgians had held on for a point against Bayern Munich last month then Tuesday night’s game would have taken on a different hue, as any win at all would have been enough for the visitors.

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However, a goal from Corentin Tolisso gave the German giants a 2-1 victory and left Anderlecht with a mighty task in Glasgow.

The Belgian side might need to go gung-ho to have any chance but manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck has stated they would be happy with any victory. That could change if they go one up early on.

Striking choices

French striker Odsonne Edouard scored the first hat-trick of his senior career in a 5-1 win over Motherwell.

The 19-year-old striker, who is on loan from PSG, has played third fiddle to Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths this season.

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The former is fit again after an ankle injury while Griffiths was rested from the start on Saturday and Brendan Rodgers must be happy to have a range of options up front.

European validation

In the midst of domestic dominance, Celtic need to get some European victories under their belt.

Celtic stretched their unbeaten domestic run to 67 matches at the weekend but the victory in Belgium ended a 10-game run without a victory in the Champions League group stages.

The Parkhead side have only taken four points from their last nine home games in the Champions League proper and will be keen to take a confidence-boosting win into a likely Europea League campaign.

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