Live on ITV: Tues 19.45: Celtic (8/1, Skybet) shouldn’t be written off ahead of their home clash with Barcelona in the Champions League.
Celtic famously saw off Barcelona at Parkhead last season and indeed Neil Lennon’s men were also unfortunate to pick up a point when the sides met at the Camp Nou but bookies aren’t expecting lightning to strike twice as the pair renew hostilities in Glasgow so the Catalans giants are just 4/9 courtesy of William Hill to come out on top in the Hoops’ own backyard.
Skybet quote the Bhoys at 8/1 to overcome Barca again and it’s as high as 4/1 with bet365 to finish all square but neither of those results should be discounted because the visitors are far from a banker.
Admittedly, Gerardo Martino’s troops deserve to be favourites given their quality, the fine start they’ve made to the campaign and the 4-0 success in their Champions League opener against Ajax. However, they were hit by an injury to Lionel Messi at the weekend and as the hosts aren’t in terrible shape themselves at the moment, they could well avoid defeat.
Celtic’s were unlucky to emerge with nothing for their first game in the competition, as they gave a good account of themselves at AC Milan before succumbing to a couple of late goals but that performance will certainly give them confidence.
The electric atmosphere will also spur on the home side, who might be worth an interest at 2/1 in Paddy Power’s handicaps, when benefiting from a goal start.
Recommended Bets:
Celtic +1 to beat Barcelona – 2/1 (Paddy Power)
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