Our tipster expects goals at both ends when the Scottish champions meet their Romanian counterparts in Champions League qualifying on Wednesday night
Celtic‘s Champions League campaign continues against Cluj in Romania on Wednesday night.
Neil Lennon’s men cruised to a 7-0 aggregate win against Estonian champions Nomme Kalju in the previous round. Dan Petrescu’s men, though, will offer a stiffer test for the Hoops.
However, the Scottish champions began the defence of their title with a 7-0 demolition of St Johnstone on Saturday and Lennon’s side will surely view that result as the perfect warm-up for Wednesday’s tie.
Latest odds
Cluj have won both of their home ties in Champions League qualifying thus far this term and the Romanian champions are chalked up as a 39/20 (2.95) chance to make it a hat-trick against the Hoops.
The Scottish champions have a 100 per cent record from their five competitive fixtures so far this season, so the 6/4 (2.50) quote from 888Sport for the Scots to maintain momentum with victory could prove popular. The odds compilers offer 2/1 (3.0) that this first leg ends in a stalemate.
Team news
Ryan Christie was on the substitutes’ bench in Estonia last week but after hitting a hat-trick at the weekend, the Scottish international is surely in line to start in Romania. Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths are competing to lead the line for the visitors.
Preview
Celtic have scored an impressive 14 goals without reply in their last three games. As such, the Scottish champions will come into this clash full of confidence and 888Sport offer 2/1 (3.0) that the Hoops score at least two goals on Wednesday night. The same firm offer 27/25 (2.08) that both teams are on target.
At the other end, Lennon’s outfit have conceded just two goals in five competitive matches so far this season and are available at 14/5 (3.80) to win to nil. The selection would have landed in seven of their last nine away wins in this competition.
Prediction
Celtic, however, may not have things entirely their own way when they travel to face the Romanian champions.
Petrescu’s men have already enjoyed morale-boosting home wins against Astana and Maccabi Haifa in this competition this season and Cluj will be in confident mood after winning five of their last six matches in all competitions.
This is unquestionably a testing tie for the Scottish champions. Both teams are seemingly at their best when on the front foot so value could lie in backing goals to flow. The 11/10 (2.10) quote, therefore, from 888Sport for a goal to be scored in both halves could represent real value ahead of this first-leg fixture.
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Goal in both halves at 11/10 (2.10) for a 1pt stake with 888Sport
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