Source: FOOTYMAD
You still have to win over two legs
You have to use home advantage whenever a two legged tie is played There should be no disadvantage to playing Sion at Parkhead in the first leg Europa League play-off first-leg tie according to Kris Commons. The sides meet tomorrow (Thursday) in Glasgow despite originally being scheduled to play the first game in Switzerland. However, with Rangers due to play the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie with Maribor at Ibrox on the same night as the Hoops' return meeting, UEFA stepped in to order a reversal of Celtic's fixtures. Commons does not necessarily buy in to the theory that playing a European tie at home in the second leg is preferable. The midfielder dismissed the suggestion that it made any difference to the outcome of the tie. He said: "I don't thank so. Obviously we got the home game early but we will be going in to that trying to get a couple of goals to take over there. It's good that we can try to build a lead." Commons and the rest of the Celtic players are determined to prevent history repeating itself. Last season Celtic were dumped out of the Champions League and Europa League at the qualifying stages by Braga and Utrecht respectively. Commons was not part of the side then as he only joined Celtic from Derby in January. However, he has taken heed of the warning given to the players by manager Neil Lennon. Commons said: "Obviously it was a failure last year. I know I wasn't part of it but the manager has certainly made us aware that it can't happen again. He thinks we are a better squad than at the start of last year and thinks we are more prepared for Europe now so hopefully we can kick on. We know we are in for a tough test. We have to approach every game in a professional manner. You have to do your background and research on any team in Europe. I think the coaching staff and scouts have gone out and watched them so there are no changes on the night that we don't expect. We will now look at their qualities and weaknesses and hopefully we can capitalise on their weaknesses."
