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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Wilson

Charlie Nicholas makes bold Celtic and Rangers call ahead of Europa League matchday 2

Charlie Nicholas is backing Celtic and Rangers to keep their Europa League charge on course by picking up positive results on matchday two.

The former Celtic and Scotland star is confident Neil Lennon's men can build on the opening day draw in Rennes by exacting revenge on Cluj just two months after the Romanian side wrecked their Champions league dream at Parkhead.

Nicholas reckons lessons will have been learned from that 4-03 disaster and the Hoops will emerge with a 2-1 win to take them onto four points from two games.

The Sky Sports  pundit said: "Everyone in Glasgow is talking about revenge as Cluj put Celtic out of the Champions League. They made it out to be a fluke, but you cannot lose 4-3 and say it is lucky.

"Cluj are a very clever side - they took on Lazio, who are one of the favourites for the Europa League, and reminded everyone of who they are with a smashing 2-1 win.

"The crowd at Celtic Park gives the players another five to 10 per cent and that's what will be the case here. It will not be a rollover, it will be tight but think Celtic will just edge it - it could be late on when the goals come."

Meanwhile, Nicholas reckons Rangers too will end the evening on four points.

Steven Gerrard takes his side to face Swiss champions Young Boys in Bern on the back of an opening day victory over Feyenoord at Ibrox.

Backing Rangers for a 1-1 draw, Nicholas said: "Young Boys have always been a team that can take a scalp or two. Rangers have responded well to their tame performance against Celtic a few weeks back.

"It was a statement of intent at the weekend as they hammered Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

"Steven Gerrard's players are taking his points on board. He wants to play with speed, aggression - how he played. Rangers are not a bad side but they will only be getting 45-50 per cent of the ball as opposed to the 70 per cent they get in Scotland.

"Rangers are in a good place and this result would mean an amazing start for them in the competition."

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