Preview: Malmo (2) vs (3) Celtic

Celtic head into the second-leg of their Champions League play-off with a slender 3-2 advantage having conceded a stoppage time goal in Glasgow last Wednesday.

The Scottish club looked to be taking a decent 3-1 lead to the Swedbank Stadion but Norwegian striker Jo Inge Berget, who spent part of last term on loan with the Bhoys, scored his second away goal of the game in the fifth minute of injury time to set up a nervy encounter in Sweden.

Celtic raced into an early lead through Leigh Griffiths and Israel midfielder Nir Biton before Berget pulled one back just after half-time. Griffiths restored the host’s two-goal cushion on the hour before Berget swept home late on.

Ronny Deila’s side continued their good form in the league sealing a 3-1 win away to Dundee United on Saturday.

Griffiths scored again, followed by an own goal from Mark Durnan and then Callum McGregor with 15 minutes remaining wrapped up the points. The Terrors had pulled one back from Chris Erskine’s penalty right on half-time.

The Swedish club remain fifth in their domestic table after falling to a 1-0 defeat away at Hacken.

Martin Ericsson’s goal with just over 10 minutes remaining gave Malmo their first loss in seven league matches, but they would’ve had one eye on this tie.

But this is a different kettle of fish, with the winner to receive a windfall of at least £20 million for qualifying for the group stage, something Celtic really can’t afford to miss out on for a second season running.

For the home side, Ghanaian midfielder Enoch Kofi Adu and top scorer Markus Rosenberg back from suspension.

Mikael Lustig has been rated 50-50 in his chances of making the second-leg after injuring his hamstring during last week’s win.

Striker Nadir Ciftci returns after serving the fifth of a six-game domestic ban versus Dundee United.

Craig Gordon should return in goal for the visitors, while defender Virgil van Dijk has been strongly linked to a move to Southampton and was left out of the squad at the weekend.

Deila made nine changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s clash at Tannadice Park and most of those are expected to return.

It is a tough task for Celtic but the prize of £20m awaits the winners. Celtic will set their stall out to defend and look to counter. The extra pace and delivery of Kris Commons will be worth value to their performance tonight as Griffiths will need to be supplied. An away goal tonight will be crucial for the Scottish club.

Key Men: Celtic – Leigh Griffiths; Malmo – Jo Inge Berget
Shoot Says: 2-2 (Celtic to win 5-4 on aggregate)