Celtic v AEK Athens Tips: Hoops to snare first-leg advantage?
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Celtic’s journey to the Champions League group stages continues tonight with a tricky third qualifying round tie against AEK Athens.
The Hoops have already seen off Norwegian champions Rosenborg and Armenian league winners Alashkert at Celtic Park.
Can Brendan Rodgers and co. put in another scintillating first-leg performance against the Greek Super League champions? We’ve previewed the encounter with a full complement of tips.
Match Odds
After putting three goals past their last two UCL opponents at Celtic Park, the hosts are solid 6/10 favourites to win the match.
AEK have won three of their four European ties north of the border. They’re 11/2 to triumph, with the draw available at 13/5.
Talking Tactics
Bhoys boss Rodgers has been handed a boost with the news that defender Jozo Simunovic is available after suspension. Partner Dedryck Boyata is not yet ready to return.
Odsonne Eduoard is in red hot form and will continue up-front in the absence of Moussa Dembele, while influential midfielder Olivier Ntcham should also be fit.
The same cannot be said of AEK captain Petros Mantalos, who looks set to miss the first-leg through injury.
Celtic boast the superior firepower in this tie and their heavy possession-based game should allow them to play on the front foot and create plenty of opportunities this evening.
Goalscorer Odds
The aforementioned Eduoard has netted four goals in five matches so far this season.
He’s joint-favourite at 10/3 to Score First alongside Leigh Griffiths. The pair also share favouritism in the Anytime Goalscorer market at 13/10 apiece.
Winger Scott Sinclair bagged five goals in the UCL qualifiers last year. He’s 11/5 to open his account for this season with a goal this evening.
In the absence of Sergio Araujo, who has returned to parent-club Las Palmas, Marko Livaja will provide the main threat for AEK at 3/1.
Match Info
When: 7:45pm
Where: Celtic Park
How to watch: Commentary available on BBC Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB/Online.
Click here for our latest Celtic v AEK Athens odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
