On-form Celtic will secure five weeks off from Champions League duty if they secure a place inside the top eight of the revamped league format.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have been targeting a playoff berth, awarded to sides who finish between ninth and 24th, but the Premiership champions remain a live contender to shock European football and fire themselves straight into the last 16. Either path guarantees Celtic a minimum of 10 matches in the tournament – the equivalent of reaching the quarter finals in the old style.
Celtic sit two points outside the top eight and are in 15th place in the table. If they race straight into the last 16 they will not play a game between January 29, 2025, to the first leg of the knockout tie on March 4/5, with the return leg taking place on March 10/11. If they make the playoff stage, then Celtic will finish on matchday eight vs Aston Villa and return to action a fortnight later on February 11/12, 2025.
And the supercomputer and boffins are in agreement over the fact that 10 points should get the job done. Foot Rankings have Celtic destined to finish 18th – safely inside the playoff spots but not enough to make the top eight. But, according to statistical data, 16 points should be enough to finish at the bottom end of the elite eight. Others reckon 17 points is the sweet spot. Celtic now know three wins out of their final four would be needed to turn an ambitious dream into a reality.
Celtic’s fate in the Champions League also ties directly to their ambitions in the transfer market. Following a summer window where they paid £30m-plus in the window, their place within the Champions League power rankings will play a role in what comes next. It’s not only about making a statement, of course, it’s the logistics of bedding in players.
January signings will not be allowed to play on matchdays seven and eight in January, with new arrivals allowed to make their bows in the latter stages. So, in theory, Celtic or any other team can add early and have players up to speed before being called upon in the playoffs or the last 16. A leading transfer specialist told Record Sport they expect the winter window to escalate in importance due to the changing UEFA calendar.