Before this meeting the Reds did not have a single official match. Instead, there were 7 friendly sparrings, which ended in 5 wins, a draw and a defeat. Both teams conceded in every match in the last season at the European arena.
Rapid Vienna
Celtic frankly failed last season. Even in the middle of the tournament distance it was obvious that the Rangers would not be able to compete. As a result, the Celts finished second, losing 25 points to the Jersey. Such a result could not satisfy the management and personnel changes were not long in coming. Anghe Postekoglu, who had not previously worked at such a high level, was called to correct the situation. As for the squad, it certainly makes sense to note the departure of Scott Brown, the longtime captain of the Celts, who has almost four hundred appearances for the club. The losses should be compensated by Kego Furuhashi, acquired from Kobe for 5.50 million euros and Liel Abada, bought for a decent 4 million by the standards of the Scottish Championship from Maccabi from Petah Tikva.
Read also: Rangers vs PSV Eindhoven.
Sparta
Sparta also did not fully participate in the fight for the title in their national championship last season, outright losing the fight to Slavia, but at the same time the red got the second place and a ticket to the qualification of the Champions League. Sparta prepared for the start of the struggle for an entry into the group through friendly matches, in the last of which it scored a 2:2 draw with Moscow Dynamo.
Read also: Rangers vs Alashkert.
Prediction
Our expert pick:
Rapid is gradually gaining shape. It is unlikely that the Green-Whites' readiness for the season can be judged by their victory in the National Cup over a team from the regional league, but they began to prepare for the start of qualification in mid-June, which is much earlier than Sparta. In addition, they have already played one official match. The hosts will definitely be fresh and will probably only bet on the victory. In our opinion, it makes sense to give preference to them. We believe the hosts have a better chance of winning. Prediction is an Asian handicap (0) on Rapid. In BC 1xBet such an outcome is offered with the odds of 1.83. Considering that teams are still gaining shape, it hardly makes sense today to count on sparkling productive football. The guests will certainly be cautious and Rapid does not yet have such a functional readiness that could help them swing to defeat. Our second bet will be under three goals total. Such a bet can be placed for 1.59. Place a bet on the line of 1xBet with odds of 1.83. Promo code for registration - ODDS2WIN.
