Georgios Samaras, hoping to restore some pride for Celtic on Wednesday night(credit:
alfonsojimenez)
Celtic can beat Hapoel Tel Aviv tonight, but it might not be enough to progress in the Europa League...
Celtic have been disappointing in this season’s Europa League, and sit bottom of Group C, unlikely to qualify, however, they can at least go out on a high if they can produce a home win over Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv tonight, and should be able to reward those who back Tony Mowbray’s side at 17/20 (Victor Chandler) to do so.
Hapoel are currently top of the group, and need only a point (13/5, Stan James) from their remaining two matches to ensure qualification, although they are, on paper at least, arguably the weakest of the four teams in the group.
The Israeli side were lucky to beat Celtic when the sides met in Tel Aviv in September, and Celtic should have had the game sewn up long before Hapoel’s two late goals gave them a two-one win, which flattered the home side.
However, since then, Hapoel have done the double over Rapid Vienna, conquerors of Aston Villa earlier in the season, and those two victories have put them in an excellent position for qualification. Although, at Parkhead they will face a Celtic side buoyed by a vociferous home support, and it would be a surprise to see the Israeli’s complete the double over the Scots (7/2 Bet365).
Celtic’s form this season has been anything but impressive, yet the Bhoys still find themselves top of the SPL table, largely due to the inadequacies of the competition. They remain unbeaten at home in the league, with four wins and two draws from their opening six at Celtic Park, although in Europe it has been a different story, with the side still searchin for a first home win after four Champions League and Europa League matches.
Tony Mowbray has made an inauspicious start as Celtic manager, however, up until now the Englishman has been unable to call on a fully fit attack, but with Georgios Samaras (5/1, Sky Bet), Scott McDonald (5/1, Sky Bet) and Marc Antoine Fortune (13/2, Sky Bet) all back in contention, the manager should be happy with his striking options.
Hapoel coach Eli Guttman singled out Irish international winger Aiden McGeady (9/1, Ladbrokes) as the hosts danger man, although Barry Robson (16/1, Sky Bet) who is a specialist from set-pieces is probably more of a goal threat for the Hoops.
Scoring goals has been the problem for Celtic this season in the Europa League, something which has not troubled their opponents. Hapoel have scored an incredible 12 goals in four matches, and every one of their matches so far has contained three or more strikes (17/20, Bet365).
With both teams likely to attack from the outset, it could be a game of many chances, and quotes of 9/4 (William Hill) that the game goes over 3.5 goals may entice many punters. Both teams to score, at odds of 4/5 (Blue Square) looks a sure thing, and could be one of the bets of the night.
As previously stated, Celtic will see this as a match they must, and should, win. Hamburg will probably be capable of beating Rapid Vienna, rendering the result of the match at Parkhead irrelevant in terms of qualification, but a two-one (15/2, SkyBet) or three-one (14/1, SkyBet) home victory would at least give the Celtic fans something to cheer about.
Recommendations
Win Market – Celtic (17/20, VictorChandler)
Teams to Score – Both (4/5, Bluesq)