Atmosphere can help Celtic this week says Kanchelskis
Former Rangers player Andrei Kanchelskis believes that the atmosphere at Parkhead could really help Celtic in their Europa League ventures this week, describing it as “crazy” in a report by the Daily Record.
Celtic face Zenit St Petersburg in the last 32 of the Europa League later this week, with the first leg in Scotland. Kanchelskis thinks the Russian side will be surprised by the atmosphere come kick off.
He also highlighted a fast start being key for the Scottish champions to help the crowd get behind them even more
The former Rangers man faced Celtic on a number of occasions and knows what the Russian side could be in for this week.
With Celtic facing the first leg at home, it’s vital they get off to a strong start in the first leg, especially given the test that awaits them in the reverse fixture out in Russia.
Kanchelskis previewed Celtic’s visit of Zenit.
This is going to be a very interesting battle. I myself played against Celtic – the atmosphere there is crazy. 60,000 fans who support their team and make an incredible noise.
The support they give their team really drives Celtic forward.
He continued and went on to add.
Zenit’s best chance is to get at Celtic on the counter-attack.
But if Celtic get off to a fast start and score in the first 15 minutes, it will be a very difficult night for Zenit indeed because that will encourage their fans even more.
It’s a difficult game to call, but if you were to ask me for a prediction, I would say 2-1 to Celtic, which would mean the second leg would be very interesting indeed.