Murdo's Euro predictions

Celtic have started the season in impressive form

BBC Scotland pundit Murdo MacLeod looks ahead to this week's European ties involving Scottish clubs and gives his predictions.

Ajax v Celtic - live on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland 810MW

While this may not be the most important game of Martin O'Neill's Celtic career, it marks a major step in the progress the club has made.

This tie represents an opportunity to gauge exactly how far Celtic have come in the past year.

They are currently the best team in Scotland and now they have a chance to prove themselves as a European force.

Ajax may not be the team they once were, but they have a phenomenal European pedigree and a Celtic victory would bring the Scottish champions a great deal of credibility in European circles.

Financial setback

Ajax are a young, enthusiastic side and are very good technically. They will have a lot of the ball but I think the strength of Celtic will be too much for them.

I don't think Celtic will stray far from their usual tactics for the away leg.

I think they'll sit in a bit more but they'll definitely be looking for a goal and when they go forward, they will get a lot of support from midfield.

A failure to get through this tie will be a disappointment for Celtic and a financial setback, but I'm very confident that won't happen.

Murdo's prediction: Ajax 1-1 Celtic

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Rangers v Fenerbahce

I think this is the tougher of the two matches for the Old Firm.

Fenerbahce won the Turkish championship and you have to be a good side to do that.

On the other hand, Rangers struggled on Saturday against Livingston and will hope to have some of their injured players back for this crucial tie.

Tore Andre Flo will be a key figure for Rangers

I do expect them to win at Ibrox but their major concern must be defensively.

If they can come away from Ibrox without having lost a goal then they have an excellent chance of qualifying for the Champions League proper.

Following a good start to the season against Maribor and Aberdeen, Rangers looked nervous in the return leg with Maribor and against Livingston.

A good win over Fenerbahce could lift the whole season and bring back some of the confidence to the team.

Murdo's prediction: Rangers 2-0 Fenerbahce

Glenavon v Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock have now built up a fair bit of European experience although their European runs tend to be quite short.

I think this is a good draw for them - Killie are a hard side to beat and I think they can win in Ireland.

Alan Mahood sent Kilmarnock into Europe

I'm sure Bobby Williamson would take a draw and that's the worst they will want - a defeat would mean they would have to chase the game at Rugby Park.

But I don't see that happening. Aberdeen lost against Irish opposition last season but Kilmarnock are a different proposition.

They are a stronger side and they look solid this season.

They looked well organised against Celtic and if they go about their business on Thursday with the correct attitude, they can come away with a good result.

Murdo's prediction: Glenavon 1-1 Kilmarnock