Celtic Team’s Up – Caitlin Hayes on the bench, supporters pre-match thoughts | OneFootball

Supporters are arriving at Paradise as Celtic FC Women prepare to take on English champions Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

This is the first time that the prestigious European women’s competition will take place at Celtic Park, and some fans are optimistic.

The Celtic Star spoke to some of the Celtic support outside of the ground as kick-off was approaching.

Nichola and Aaliyah are supporting the Ghirls tonight, and there is a sense of optimism amongst one of them. Nichola said: “I think Celtic are going to win. I really do. I’m going to say 3-2 to Celtic.”

Aaliyah isn’t feeling as confident: “I’m saying 5-1 to Chelsea.”

But she does have an idea of how Elena Sadiku’s squad can be in with a fighting chance. “I think we need to press the goalkeeper,” she said. “I think that will really help them. Just a high press.”

Nichola thinks another factor could help: “They need a bit of luck, and I’m here so!”

Celtic have had a good start to the season but have suffered one loss along the way. Despite that, both believe that the Hoops can go on to win the league title.

“There’s been a few bumps in the road but I believe they’ll still do it,” Aaliyah said.

Harris and Jamie at Celtic Park this evening.

Harris and Jamie are also in attendance at Paradise tonight, cheering on the Ghirls against the Chels. They aren’t that confident that the Scottish side can pull off a result though. Harris predicts 4-3 to Chelsea, whilst Jamie predicts 4-2.

“Confident in the way [Celtic] play but Chelsea are a far better team,” Jamie said. “[They need to] defend really well”

“Take our chances when we have them,” Harris added.

Elena Sadiku at Celtic Park head of the Champions League match against Chelsea. Photo Celtic FC

Ian, another Hoops supporter, thinks that Chelsea will win the game but thinks that the experience will be brilliant for this Celtic squad. He said: “I think what’s most important is that they’re getting to play an opposition that is a lot stronger than them. Chelsea are the English champions so as the saying goes, strong trees don’t grow with ease, strong wind makes strong trees. This will bring out the best in us. They always say to punch above your weight.

“Even the fact that this is the first Champions League game with Chelsea. It’s good that Celtic are getting that exposure to teams that are of that standard because as you know, to increase your game, it’s always good to play above yourself.

Caitlin Hayes and Kelly Clark at Celtic Park head of the Champions League match against Chelsea. Photo Celtic FC

“[Celtic Park] is Celtic’s home ground. They’ve beat Hearts here as you know. So playing here, the Green Brigade will be there, we need a good turnout tonight as well.”

Split opinions between the Celtic support and with the Ghirls’ odds of winning sitting at 66/1, it isn’t looking great. But there may be a hint of something in the air. Shades of Barcelona anyone…?

Here’s the Celtic team and you’ll notice that Caitlin Hayes returns to the squad but is listed as a substitute rather than a starter.  Elena picks the team not the supporters…

Celtic team to face Chelsea in the UWCL

Chelsea Women arrive at Paradise…

Chelsea team news

Elena Sadiku, Celtic manager, speaking to UEFA.com:“We’re living the dream and we’ve worked really hard to get here. We’re playing a great team and we’ll need to stay compact and work really hard together to minimise their threats. But we also want to use the space out there and show what we can do.”

Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea manager, speaking to UEFA.com: “It’s a really nice stadium, a nice pitch and a great environment for the players – and coaches! I have a lot of quality in my squad and tonight I wanted to give some players, with fresh legs, the opportunity to play. We have a very competitive team out there but we have to make sure we make a strong start.”

Jessica Elliott

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