Match Preview

The UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase reaches its final round as Celtic host FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on Matchday 8. Under the new 36-team league format, every fixture feeds into a single global table, so there is still plenty at stake for both clubs in Glasgow.

Celtic come into this clash with a solid European campaign behind them. After their first five league-phase games they sit on 7 points, with a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats, scoring seven goals and conceding eight. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} A memorable recent highlight was their superb 3–1 away win at Feyenoord, Celtic’s first European away victory in four years, which has boosted confidence and put them firmly in contention for a knockout place.

FC Utrecht arrive in a more difficult position. Their league-phase campaign has been a struggle, with 0 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats from five matches, two goals scored and seven conceded, leaving them on just 1 point and near the foot of the overall standings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Despite some competitive performances, they have found it hard to turn possession into clear chances against high-level opposition and have paid the price for small lapses at the back.

Tactically, this meeting looks like a clash between Celtic’s high-tempo, front-foot approach and Utrecht’s desire to stay compact and strike on the counter. At home, Celtic are likely to push full-backs high, press aggressively and keep the ball moving through their technically strong midfield. If they can pin Utrecht deep and avoid sloppy turnovers, they should create enough opportunities to threaten the Dutch side’s goal.

Utrecht, meanwhile, will probably focus on defensive organisation, protecting the central areas and looking to exploit any space that appears behind Celtic’s advanced line. Quick transitions into the channels and set-pieces could be their best route to an upset. With Celtic chasing a higher place in the table and Utrecht fighting to climb away from the bottom, expect a committed, high-energy contest under the lights in Glasgow.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

The Celtic vs FC Utrecht fixture will be shown live by official Europa League broadcast partners around the world. In the UK, coverage is scheduled for 20:00 on 29 January 2026 from Celtic Park, with additional viewing options available via subscription broadcasters and licensed streaming platforms in Europe and beyond. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} Fans should always confirm exact channels and streaming services with local TV listings and official competition information for their country.

Match Information

Form Guide and Current Records

These numbers highlight the contrast between the teams’ campaigns so far. Celtic have been competitive in almost every game, combining an improving attack with occasional defensive lapses. Utrecht have generally kept matches close but lacked the cutting edge in the final third to turn draws into wins and to rescue points from losing positions.

In the live league-phase rankings, Celtic currently sit in the mid-table positions (around 21st), while Utrecht lie near the bottom of the standings (around 32nd).  A win in Glasgow would significantly strengthen Celtic’s position in the knockout race, while Utrecht are aiming to climb as high as possible and revive their European campaign.

Head-to-Head History

This is not the first time Celtic and FC Utrecht have met in European competition. The clubs previously faced each other in the 2010/11 Europa League play-off round. Celtic won the first leg 2–0 at home, but Utrecht produced a remarkable turnaround in the Netherlands, winning 4–0 to take the tie 4–2 on aggregate and reach the group stage. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

That dramatic tie still lingers in the background for some supporters, adding an extra narrative to this league-phase encounter. Celtic will want to show how far they have come since then, while Utrecht know they have upset this opposition before and will aim to draw inspiration from that historic comeback.

Tactical Outlook

Celtic’s likely approach

Celtic at home are expected to:

• Press Utrecht high up the pitch, especially when the visitors try to build from the back.
• Use quick combinations between midfield and wide forwards to create overloads on the flanks.
• Push full-backs forward to supply crosses and cut-backs into the box.
• Maintain a high tempo to keep Utrecht under sustained pressure and pin them in their own half.

How Utrecht can threaten

Utrecht’s best route to success in Glasgow may be:

• Staying compact and disciplined between the lines to restrict space for Celtic’s creators.
• Breaking quickly when possession is won, targeting the space behind Celtic’s advanced full-backs.
• Making the most of set-pieces, where a well-delivered free-kick or corner could change the game.
• Slowing the tempo at times to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm and take the sting out of the crowd.

If Celtic can manage transitions effectively and avoid giving Utrecht clear counter-attacking opportunities, their territorial dominance and attacking variety should give them the upper hand. Utrecht, however, know that one clinical break or a moment of quality at a dead-ball situation could tilt the tie in their favour.

Standings Context – League Phase Table

*Positions based on current live league-phase rankings ahead of Matchday 8.

Match Outlook and Score Prediction

Predicted Final Score: Celtic 2–0 FC Utrecht

On current evidence, Celtic look better placed to take all three points. Their improved European form, the boost from recent results and the backing of a full house at Celtic Park all point towards a strong home performance. If they can maintain defensive concentration and convert a fair share of the chances they create, a clean sheet and a couple of goals look realistic.

FC Utrecht will not arrive in Glasgow simply to make up the numbers. They have enough quality to punish any complacency, and if they can keep the game tight and frustrate Celtic for long periods, nerves could start to play a part. A single moment of brilliance on the counter or from a set-piece might be enough to change the narrative.

Overall, though, the most likely scenario is a controlled display from the home side, with Celtic’s attacking options and intensity eventually breaking through Utrecht’s resistance. A projected outcome of Celtic 2–0 FC Utrecht reflects the balance of form, league-phase records and the significant advantage of playing at Celtic Park.

Important: This prediction is a football opinion only. It is not advice or encouragement to place bets. Any form of gambling is strictly for adults and should always follow local laws and be approached responsibly.