Arsenal v Celtic: Betting Preview & Tips

Champions League | selectabet | August 25, 2009 at 11:42 am

Arsenal v Celtic
UEFA Champions League Qualifying Round
Live on ITV. Kick off: 7.45pm

I’ve yet to speak to a Celtic fan, or anyone else for that matter, who thinks there’s still life left in this tie. Even St. Jude – the patron saint of lost causes – would do well to talk up Celtic’s chances of progressing to the group stages now.

Celtic did well for 45 minutes last week but let’s put a bit of perspective on his here; if it had been Old Trafford that Arsenal had gone to and secured a 2-0 first leg lead would you be confident that a Manchester United side could go to The Emirates and turn the tie around. No? Well what chance do you think Celtic have got? Remember, in getting to this stage Celtic turned around a first leg home deficit for the first time in their history so I just can’t see them doing it again, especially not against Arsenal.

It baffles me then to see Celtic at just 20/1 (Betfred, Blue Sq, Paddy Power, SkyBet) to qualify, whilst Arsenal are 1/100 (Bet365). Somebody somewhere is having a laugh.

But onto the game itself and the Hoops are a 9/1 (BetInternet, Coral, Paddy Power, Totesport) chance to win in London. Generous? Nah, not for me. They barely managed a credible shot at goal at home and although Tony Mowbray may be forced into a more offensive line-up they’ll do well to carve out many more openings than at Celtic Park. That said, neither do I fancy the 1/3 (Bet365, Betfred, Blue Sq, Boylesports, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, SkyBet) on the Arsenal victory, as it looks far too short in a game that they technically don’t need to win.

I reckon Arsene Wenger may shuffle his pack a wee bit but that won’t diminish their attacking prowess. They’ve now cracked in 12 goals in three competitive games and if Celtic suffer another away day howler in the Champions League they could well add a few to that tally. With Celtic looking a bit toothless at this level and Arsenal firing on all cylinders the 1/1 (Paddy Power, SkyBet) on Arsenal to win to nil has some appeal.

Let me know your tips on the big match.