Michael Owen has predicted that Celtic will share the spoils with Valencia when the two sides meet each other in the round of 32 in the Europa League on Thursday.
The La Liga outfit travel to Parkhead in what would be the Hoops’ sixth appearance in the competition after they finished second in Group B with nine points.
The former Liverpool forward remarked on how Celtic have never progressed from this round of the tournament, but believes that the game will end in a draw.
“This is Celtic’s sixth appearance in the Europa League and they have never made it past the last 32. Valencia have drawn their last three domestic games and I feel the sides will be all square as they head back to the Mestalla next week,” he said on his BetVictor blog.
“Valencia have never kept a clean sheet in eight previous European ties in Scotland, but I expect to see a tight cagey affair in Glasgow.”
OPINION
This is no doubt going to be one of Celtic’s toughest games of the season, so they will really have to be on the ball to beat Valencia. Valencia are not as good as they used to be, but they will certainly put up a fight and will be a major threat to the Hoops progressing to the round of 16 for the first time. They obviously need to play the second leg, but reaching this stage would be a remarkable achievement for Brendan Rodgers. Having the likes of Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke will also be a major boost for him, and they will definitely help the side stand in good stead on Thursday. Both players have been electric since they arrived and they will certainly play a big part in Thursday’s fixture. That being said, many fans would take a draw all day long against Valencia, who will no doubt be favourites.