CELTIC's last-gasp 2-1 win over Lazio sparked pandemonium inside Parkhead when the Bhoys battled back to claim three potentially priceless Europa League points.
Christopher Jullien's towering header sent the Hoops to the top of Group E at its half way stage and Celtic are now gearing up for the reverse fixture in Rome on Thursday evening.
Neil Lennon's men picked up a deserved draw in Renne on matchday one and having since topped up that point with a further six in Glasgow's east end, the Scottish champions will now strongly fancy their chances of landing a place in the draw for the last-32.
What's more, Celtic will head to the Italian capital high in confidence after smashing in 11 goals across the three games they have contested since last locking horns with Lazio.
However, the hosts will be a different proposition inside the Stadio Olimpico and given the Romans have lost two of their opening three group-stage games, they can ill-afford another setback against free-scoring Celtic.
Yet, Simone Inzaghi's side impressed for long spells at Celtic Park and they have since won three on the spin in Serie A by triumphing away at Fiorentina and AC Milan either side of a home success against Torino.
The bookmakers firmly believe Lazio will exact some form of revenge by becoming the first team to topple Celtic in Group E – with a home win priced at odds on of 8/13 (Ladbrokes)
However, the Hoops won't be short of backers at an eye-catching 4/1 (BetVictor) and the draw will also attract plenty of Glasgow's green and white punters at 3/1 (BetVictor) with the same firm.
Granted, Celtic had both goalkeeper Fraser Forster and the woodwork to thank a fortnight ago, however, Lennon's side look slightly overpriced to me to take something back to Scotland from this showdown.
Celtic are playing with fluency and without fear and Lennon's slightly more pragmatic approach than that of his predecessor is helping restore some pride in Celtic's away performances on the continent.
The Hoops are unbeaten in five European away assignments this season and although Lazio will represent Celtic's toughest away trip to date, the Bhoys are capable of making the net bulge in northern Italy – something Celtic have achieved in all but one of their 25 competitive matches this season.
I successfully tipped the combination of both teams to score and over 2.5 goals in Glasgow two weeks ago and revisiting that bet in Rome appeals at 6/5 (bet365) however, I'm going to take a slightly more conservative approach this time around by backing both teams to score at 4/5 (sportingbet)
Celtic are well equipped to breach a Lazio backline that has only registered one clean sheet in their last seven attempts, however, the hosts showed flashes of their attacking prowess at Parkhead and they will be coming up against a Celtic defence who have only managed to record one shut-out in their last five matches away from Celtic Park.
Furthermore, Le Aquile are averaging almost three goals per game at home and that does not bode well for a Celtic rearguard who could be set to come up against the hottest striker in Italy in the shape of the clinical Ciro Immobile.
Immoblie was a surprise exclusion from Lazio's line-up when these two sides last squared off, however, the Serie A goal machine could be restored to Inzaghi's starting XI on Thursday evening in a bid to breathe life back into Lazio's bid to reach the knockout phase.
The Italian international scored his 100th Lazio goal in the San Siro last Sunday night and should Immobile be released from the off against Celtic this time around then could be worth backing to score anytime at a tempting 10/11 (Paddy Power)
Indeed, Celtic will have their work cut out when coming up against Immobile and Co, however, the Hoops have racked up 73 goals in 25 outings across all competitions thus far, not to mention the visitors are reportedly set to be roared on by a vibrant and vocal traveling support that will largely outnumber the Lazio faithful.
With that in mind, I'm going to side with Celtic with a one goal start on the Asian handicap at 17/20 (UniBet) – a betting angle that would only fail in the event of the Romans putting Celtic to the sword by two more goals and if Lennon's troops were to lose by a solitary strike then your stake would be refunded.
This UEFA Europa League match between Lazio and Celtic will be played on Nov 7, 2019 and kick off at 17:55. Check below for our tipsters best Lazio vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
