Can Celtic Return to Winning Ways in Europe? Celtic vs Ferencvaros Prediction | September 17, 2026
Celtic and Ferencvaros will meet on September 17 in the opening round of the Europa League league phase. Both sides have plenty of European experience and arrive in good domestic form, although Celtic are entering the competition after a disappointing Champions League qualification campaign.
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Match Preview
Celtic come into the game after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, ending a run of four consecutive victories. Their league campaign, however, has been excellent in the Scotish Premiership, with six wins from six matches, 14 goals scored and only three conceded. Celtic already hold a five-point advantage over Rangers.
Their biggest disappointment came in Champions League qualifying. After a 3-0 home win over LASK, Celtic suffered a 4-1 defeat in the return leg and were eventually eliminated in extra time.
Celtic have been particularly strong at home this season, winning every match at their own ground. They also have positive European experience against Ferencvaros, although the Hungarians did win 2-1 in Glasgow in 2021.
- Possible Celtic Lineup: Johnstone, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney, McGregor, Baur, Hassan, Nygren, Tounekti, Høgh
Ferencvaros arrive with an impressive European qualification campaign behind them. They overcame Vojvodina, Twente, Górnik Zabrze and Trabzonspor to reach the Europa League league phase, gaining valuable experience against opponents of a similar level.
The Hungarian side are also unbeaten in their last 11 official matches. Their latest result was particularly emphatic, as they scored seven goals against Debreceni EAC in the cup. Ferencvaros are currently fifth in the Hungarian league with a game in hand and remain in contention for top spot.
They also enjoyed a strong Europa League campaign last season, finishing 12th in the league phase before reaching the last 16.
- Possible Ferencvaros Lineup: Dibusz, Nagy, Raemaekers, Gómez, Cadu, Á. Nagy, Corbu, Bamidele, Zachariassen, O'Dowda, Joseph
Head-to-Head
The teams have met three times, with Celtic winning twice and Ferencvaros once. Celtic have scored in all three encounters.
Key Trends
- Celtic have won all 6 of their league matches this season.
- Celtic are unbeaten at home this season.
- Ferencvaros are unbeaten in their last 11 official matches.
- Ferencvaros have scored first in their last 7 matches.
- Ferencvaros' last 5 matches produced over 2.5 goals.
- 8 of Celtic's last 9 matches produced over 2.5 goals.
- Celtic have scored in all 3 previous meetings with Ferencvaros.
Prediction
This should be a much more demanding test for Celtic than their recent domestic matches. The hosts have the advantage of playing at Celtic Park, where their performances have been consistently strong, and their attacking numbers in Scotland suggest they have enough quality to put pressure on the Hungarian defence. Ferencvaros, however, have already shown during qualification that they can compete against strong European opposition. Their long unbeaten run and ability to score early should give them confidence to play positively rather than simply sit deep and defend. The key question is therefore whether Celtic can control the game without giving Ferencvaros enough opportunities to exploit their defensive weaknesses. The visitors have demonstrated considerable attacking consistency, while Celtic's home advantage should create enough pressure at the other end. With both teams accustomed to playing on the front foot and neither having much reason to settle for a cautious approach on the opening matchday, the game has the conditions for goals at both ends. Recommended Bet: Both teams to score - Yes.
