Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava Champions League score predictions as Football Scotland writers have their say

It is not something that happens often, but most people you speak to will have Celtic as favourites in their Champions League opener.

There are high hopes that the Hoops will be able to at least make the play-off round from the new look league phase and this first game, at home to Slovan Bratislava, is probably their easiest route to three points. That of course means that a draw or defeat would put a totally different slant on things.

Brendan Rodgers was in a confident mood when he met the media to preview the game today - though he was at pains to point out it would be difficult against a dangerous opponent. But the Hoops boss has faith in his team and says he has never felt more ready for a Champions League campaign.

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He clearly thinks his side are capable of getting results in Europe this year, but do we? Here are Football Scotland's writers predictions for tonight.

Blair Meikle

Celtic go into this one with a situation they haven't experienced for a while - being heavy favourites for a Champions League tie. It could come down to how they handle that but they're obviously no strangers to being in that position domestically.

They've coped with it absolutely fine so far this season and are in a very good place so the expectation is for them to kick their Euro campaign off with three points. It's obviously a different type of game when playing in continental competition but I expect them to live up to their favourites tag.

They're yet to concede a goal this season and I could see them keeping that up, while scoring two or three at the other end.

Prediction: Celtic 3-0 Slovan Bratislava

Mark Hendry

This is perhaps Celtic’s best chance at three points in the newlook League Phase and they’ll be desperate to get off to a strong start in front of a packed house. Brendan Rodgers’ side are flying in the league and the squad has filled out thanks to a summer transfer window which saw them break their record fee twice. If they can maintain their early form and keep the door shut at the back, the likes of Daizen Maeda and Kyogo - as well as new boy Arne Engels - are made for this competition and will give the fans something to shout about.

Prediction: Celtic 2-0 Slovan Bratislava

Ryan McDonald

Celtic have a golden opportunity to make inroads in Europe this year and they couldn't have asked for a better start against the lowest-ranked team in the tournament. It might have been a different proposition on the road, but at home and with 60,000 fans behind them, you'd expect the Scottish champions to get the job done and convincingly. A fast start will set the tone and Brendan Rodgers should end the night with just his fourth group stage win from 25 games across his career.

Prediction: Celtic 3-0 Slovan Bratislava