Charlie Nicholas makes surprising Celtic vs Cluj prediction

Charlie Nicholas has made a surprising prediction for Celtic’s upcoming Europa League Group Stage clash against CFR Cluj. The Hoops were knocked out from the Champions League qualification phase by the Romanian side earlier this season and will be looking for revenge.

Celtic’s 4-3 loss at home to CFR Cluj despite leading until the 80th minute must still sting the Hoops fans. It meant that the Scottish Champions were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League qualification phase for the second straight season. But as fate would have it, Cluj were knocked out in the Play-Off stage and the two sides were then drawn into the same Europa League group.

On Thursday, Celtic will have their oppurtunity to get some sweet revenge when the reigning Romanian Champions visit Glasgow for the second time this season. Celtic fans definitely believe that the Hoops could have come out the victor in their last match after leading on two different occasions and until the 80th minute.

Cluj started their European campaign in impressive fashion when they edged out Italian giants Lazio 2-1 on the opening matchday of the Europa League, proving once again that on their day they could beat any opposition. But Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes that Celtic have the advantage when they face Cluj at Parkhead.

Speaking ahead of the game, Nicholas said:

"“Everyone in Glasgow is talking about revenge as Cluj put Celtic out of the Champions League. They made it out to be a fluke, but you cannot lose 4-3 and say it is lucky.“Cluj are a very clever side – they took on Lazio, who are one of the favourites for the Europa League, and reminded everyone of who they are with a smashing 2-1 win.“The crowd at Celtic Park gives the players another five to 10 per cent and that’s what will be the case here. It will not be a rollover, it will be tight but think Celtic will just edge it – it could be late on when the goals come.”"

The Hoops certainly have the firepower in their squad to get a win over an in-form CFR Cluj side. But the prediction is a bit surprising coming from Charlie Nicholas who landed himself in hot water with the Hoops fans after bizarrely criticising Odsonne Edouard. And this might very well be an attempt from the Sky Sports pundit to return to the good books of the supporters of his former club.

Here’s how we think Celtic will line-up vs Cluj.