The Scottish domestic season hasn’t even officially kicked off for Celtic and the club is about to face arguably its biggest contest of the season already.
A trip to Rosenborg for a Champions League qualifying second leg folks…yes, you’ve heard that right. The Norwegian side no one knew we’d be facing a month ago is our biggest foe this season. Such is the case when you draw 0-0 in the home leg of your tie.
Without a win on Wednesday the biggest goals Celtic put in front of itself will have fallen by the wayside. No Champions League group stage equals a disappointing season for the Hoops faithful and for the coaches and players who have openly made advancing to the knockout stages their goal.
No doubt it is a lofty one, but falling short of even making the Champions League proper would be a huge disaster.
With that said, eyes will be glued to TV screens everywhere as Celtic take on Rosenbord. So, how can you watch it? Let’s take a look
Where: Trondheim, Norway (Lerkendal Stadion)
Time: 7:45pm (Glasgow)/2:45pm ET
How to Watch:
- Premier Sports (UK)
- CelticTV (USA/International)
- Eir Sport 2 (Ireland)
Need to Know:
This is winner-take-all, to the victor’s go the spoils and all the clichés you want to throw out there. But, this match could simply turn on one Celtic goal. After not conceding as hosts last week, Celtic could easily advance with a simple goal.
Either a 1-0 victory or a draw of any kind will suffice for the Bhoys on Wednesday night in Norway. Of course, that won’t be an easy task, but things are looking a bit more hopeful on a few fronts.
That’s because both striker Leigh Griffiths and defender Erick Sviatchenko are at least fit enough to travel with the team to Norway. Having either be actually available come game time would make a huge difference in the confidence for the side to advance.
We’ll see if either actually make an appearance or if their inclusion in the travel squad was more smoke and mirrors. Either way, it should keep Rosenborg on its toes. If it won’t be Griffiths up top, all signs point to James Forrest taking on that role, a move which everyone feels more comfortable with after the Sunderland drubbing.
Next: Green Brigade to come back...sort of...after Hearts match
We also know that one potential opponent for Celtic next round would be, as Qarabag beat Sheriff 2-1 in a match on Tuesday that settled a tie that was previously 0-0 on aggregate.