| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
UDINESE  Handanovic Isla, Danilo, Badu, Benatia Armero, Asamoah, Pinzi, Doubai Di Natale, Fabbrini | CELTIC  Forster Cha, Loovens, Majstorovic, El Kaddouri Wanyama, Brown, Ki, Ledley Hooper, Stokes |
Udinese are in the driving seat for this match, sitting three points clear of Celtic before the start of play on Thursday. That being said, only a late penalty rescued a point for the Italians in the reverse fixture back in September, so they will be wary of the threat posed by the Scottish giants as they bid to secure their position in the next round.
The Serie A side have no major injury concerns ahead of the crucial clash. Veteran Antonio Di Natale is likely to lead the line, with Diego Fabbrini expected to partner in attack ahead of Floro Flores. Almen Abdi, the man who rescued a point for the Italians at Celtic Park, will be vying for a place with Giampiero Pinzi at the heart of midfield.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon claimed earlier this week that the pressure was off his side ahead of the clash in Italy, and that they would be going all out for victory. As such, Anthony Stokes – the Hoops’ top scorer in the Europa League this season – is expected to be partnered by Gary Hooper, as the visitors push for the goals that could send them through to the knockout phase.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- The 1-1 draw back in September was Udinese’s first game against a Scottish club.
- The Italians have won all four of their previous home fixtures in the competition, the latest being a 2-0 win over Group I leaders Atletico Madrid.
- They are currently enjoying a fine season domestically, sitting in second place in Serie ‘A’ above AC Milan and level on points with leaders Juventus.
- Antonio Di Natale (pictured right) is their top scorer this season with 13 goals to his name; they may be forced to rely on the veteran on Thursday, as defender Dusan Basta is second on the list with just three.
- Celtic have taken only one point on their travels in Group I so far.
- They have played eight competitive matches on Italian soil and have never come away with a win.
- Their first competitive match against Italian opponents was back in 1967, when they beat Inter 2-1 in the final of the European Champion Clubs’ Cup.
- The Hoops have won just one of their last nine away games in Europe – a 3-0 win against FC Sion, given to them by default after the Swiss side fielded ineligible players.
- The two clubs have each scored five and conceded six thus far in the group stage this season.
- The Italians have chalked up twenty offsides in the group games so far – more than double that of their Scottish opponents.
Prediction
Although Lennon has stressed his side will respect the quality of their opponents, they must come out all guns blazing if they are to manage what no other side in Group I has this season, and win at the Friuli. This could well play in to Udinese’s hands, as they will be content to soak up any pressure from the visitors and punish them on the counterattack.
While you can expect a host of chances to be carved out for either side, I cannot see Celtic holding out for a win where the likes of Atletico Madrid have already failed.
While you can expect a host of chances to be carved out for either side, I cannot see Celtic holding out for a win where the likes of Atletico Madrid have already failed.
Editor's Prediction
Udinese 3-1 Celtic 
