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Who will win Celtic vs Celta Vigo? Our writers make their predictions for Europa League showdown

It's a massive night in Glasgow's east end as the Scottish champions eye their first points of the campaign

Celtic v Celta Vigo - Europa League preview

It's only matchday three in the Europa League.

But already Celtic face a must-win showdown with La Liga cracks Celta Vigo.

The Hoops welcome their old Euro foes back to Glasgow - 24 years after their UEFA Cup bout.

Henrik Larsson fired Celtic to a first-leg win at Parkhead before John Hartson's strike in Spain sealed their place in the fourth round on away goals.

Now, more than two decades later, veteran boss Martin O'Neill is in the dugout again. But unlike that famous run the 2003 final in Seville, Celts have a job on their hands to even qualify for the knockouts.

So too does the visitors from Spain. Both clubs have crashed to defeats in their opening two games, but something will have to give on Thursday night.

Here, Record Sport's top team delivers their score predictions.

Keith Jackson

Martin O'Neill will be hoping that his side retains the same energy level and tempo displayed in that evisceration of Hearts. But this season's European campaign has been a case of tip toeing through a live minefield so far and Celtic have suffered all sorts of collateral damage. It could be a case of one step forward , two steps back against the Spaniards.

Celtic 1 Celta Vigo 2

Scott Burns

It could be another long night for Celtic. The fans might need to be patient. If they get it right defensively then they should put their first points on the board. They certainly have the firepower to cause problems, but Celta are also decent.

Celtic 1 Celta Vigo 1

Ryan McDonald

Two of the nine pointless teams collide at Parkhead - and it’s must-win for both sides. Nine points from their three remaining home games could be enough for Celtic to sneak into the knockouts. Celta Vigo arrive in Glasgow depleted with injuries - including star man Borja Iglesias and ex-Celt Carl Starfelt.

Carl Starfelt

And after hammering Hearts 7-1 on Sunday, Martin O'Neill's men should be brimming with confidence as they look to kickstart their Europa League campaign.Celtic 2 Celta Vigo 1

Mark Pirie

Celtic appear to have found their rhythm following the international break. A tough night in Lisbon came either side of impressive displays in the league, and after the thumping Hearts momentum looks to be with the Scottish champions.

(Image: Getty Images)

The Spanish side only managed their second win of the season last weekend amid a tough campaign. It looks like the perfect fixture for the Hoops to secure their first win of the group stage.

Celtic 2 Celta Vigo 1

Ross Pilcher

Celtic couldn't be going into this one in a better mood. Seven goals against Hearts means tails will be up and while the Green Brigade might be sitting this one out, the rest of Celtic Park will be in the mood after the weekend's goalfest. Celta are clearly no mugs though and this will take a performance to claim a first three points.

Celtic 2 Celta Vigo 1

Scott McDermott

The thumping win over Hearts MUST give Celtic a lift going into a must-win European game but so far this season they've been found wanting on this stage. Their forwards will cause the Spaniards problems so expect the Hoops to score. But they're still vulnerable defensively, and Celta is in decent form themselves in La Liga. They only narrowly lost to Juventus last time out in the Europa League so they can leave Glasgow with a point.

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