Celtic doesn’t control their own destiny in the UEFA Champions League, but they’re not in a terrible position either. It would be a bit stunning to see Benfica grab all three points against a half-and-half A-B squad when they face Barcelona at the Camp Nou, so the Bhoys will expect to progress if they beat Spartak Moscow at Parkhead.
Celtic vs. Spartak Moscow: Preview and TV schedule
The Bhoys should win, and should progress if they pull it off.
Spartak have nothing to play for except their pride -- not even their continued starting places. The Russian side has recently sacked manager Unai Emery and has not yet replaced him. They could come out a very motivated side, but it’s hard to concoct a situation in which a team would have any less to play for.
Celtic injuries and suspensions
Out: Victor Wanyama, Pat McCourt, James Forrest, Dylan McGeouch.
Spartak Moscow injuries and suspensions
Out: Sergei Pesyakov, Welliton, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Romulo, Solsan Gatagov. In doubt: Sergei Parshivyuk.
In addition to having nothing to play for, Spartak don’t have a lot of players. Considering the devastating injury to Romulo earlier in the year and the long-term absence of Welliton, Emery’s firing was a bit harsh. Wanyama’s absence is the only truly bad blow to Celtic’s chances of winning on Wednesday.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
TV: FOX Sports Net affiliates (U.S.), Sky Sports 3 (U.K.), Sportsnet One (Canada), NTV (Russia)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
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