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Record Sport Online

Who will win Celtic vs Cluj? Our writers deliver their Europa League predictions

Revenge or repeat? That's the question everyone is asking as Celtic and Cluj get set to renew acquaintances.

The Hoops were left deflated in the aftermath of their 4-3 defeat to the Romanians in Champions League qualifying but Neil Lennon 's men have the opportunity to set things straight on Thursday.

The pair do battle in the Europa League and a win for the hosts will have them in a commanding position in Group E.

A spirited draw on matchday one away to Rennes was the perfect start for the Premiership champions but they will be facing a side who are also on a high.

Cluj players celebrate at full-time (SNS Group)

Cluj stunned Serie A heavyweights Lazio to earn all three points and know another win over Celtic will have them in pole position to reach the last 32.

The stakes couldn't be much higher and Record Sport's top team have made their predictions ahead of the big one under the Parkhead lights.

Keith Jackson

Anyone who thinks Celtic will have it all their own way in this rematch with Cluj hasn’t been paying close enough attention. The Romanians are a slick and dangerous on the counter attack as they proved on their previous trip to Glasgow. Celtic will need to sharpen up to get the result and even then it’ll be tight.

Celtic 2 Cluj 1

Craig Swan

Celtic are on a mission to make Cluj pay for the Champions League nightmare. They scored three goals at Parkhead last time and can do so again. This time, though, they’ll be tighter at the back.

Celtic 3 Cluj 1

Gavin Berry

(SNS Group)

Neil Lennon’s men have improved since the Romanians were last in town and the chance to right that wrong in the Champions League qualifier should ensure the Hoops are motivated enough to get the win.

Celtic 2 Cluj 0

Euan McLean

Celtic are on a mission for revenge and have the firepower to take it. But Cluj proved how canny they are on their last visit to Glasgow so don’t be surprised if there’s a wee scare at some stage of the game.

Celtic 2 Cluj 1

Gary Ralston

Revenge is a dish best served on a cold, autumn night. Celtic will build on their fine result in Rennes to take command of group stage progress.

Celtic 2 Cluj 0

Gordon Parks

(REUTERS)

Celtic should have learned their lesson against Cluj and revenge will be a dish served with a clean sheet, a solid defensive display and at least one goal to take the points.

Celtic 1 Cluj 0

Anthony Haggerty

Celtic will exact ample revenge on Cluj for shattering their Champions League dream. The Romanians are no mugs and proved that by winning at Parkhead in August and defeating Lazio on matchday one.

I fully expect Odsonne Edouard to put in another stellar display on the big European stage and be the main difference between the sides.

Celtic 3 Cluj 1

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