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You see, Celtic are a funny betting proposition these days. As much as their form and Scottish Premiership dethroning reflects their state of flux, so too does the confidence with which you can back them.
These are far from the biggest issues for Bhoys fans at present – although temporary respite was granted in seeing Rangers dumped out of the Champions League qualifiers last week in some style. However, Celtic used to be an automatic tick on a multiple ahead of the weekend, but not anymore. I miss the simpler times.
Wednesday 19:45 – Celtic v AZ Alkmaar
Celtic TV
So, while we can all watch on as neutrals with measured expectations, Celtic aren’t like that. They’re too big a club to be in limbo and while the boat has steadied since their opening day defeat, you’ll do well to find anyone in green in Glasgow that’s fully bought-in just yet.
If the night is dark and full of terrors, then so too is trusting the Bhoys to get a job done. And I don’t mean to psychologically profile them, but I do reckon a Bet Builder at least gives us a chance at being bang on the money for a side still figuring themselves out.
While we’re not getting assurances, we’re certainly getting value.
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Double Chance: AZ or the Draw
Now, I know what you’re thinking. How can I be punting Alkmaar off the back of an Eredivisie defeat when Celtic are starting to find their groove, and they have home advantage? Well, because exactly that.
Celtic are certainly improving, but they’re also learning that themselves. Their performances to now have been a reaction to a setback and the biggest issue for Celtic over the last few years has always been comfort.
It might seem a menial task now; to dispose of a side who were beaten in their Eredivisie opener, but if Celtic were playing PSV – who you’ve heard of – you’d be citing value. There’s nothing between them.
Over 2.5 Goals
Celtic’s winning formula to this point has been keeping their foot on the pedal, whereas they were coming into this season with a slightly more cautious approach until it clearly went so wrong. Given Kyogo Furuhashi looks like King Henrik mark two in his early stages, they’re probably right to commit defenders to attacks and throw caution to the wind.
But, this is European football, and it never quite works out in your favour to the extent you think it will. They’ll score without question, but Alkmaar’s bare result from their opener doesn’t come close to telling the fully story.
Liel Abada to Score Anytime
While the J-League import certainly is getting all the attention, you can guarantee that he’s also getting on a training pitch somewhere in the Netherlands. AZ didn’t have a problem in central areas with the ball in front of them.
They struggled to maintain width and track midfield runners against Waalwijk. These spaces are the bread and butter of the Israeli wideman and I’d expect him to be doing the damage.
Under 10.5 Corners
This might genuinely be the first and last time I’ll ever tip up a corner count, but these are two sides that keep the ball in central areas a lot. Their slow build-up works against the lesser opposition in their domestic leagues (AZ had 72% of the ball on Saturday), but in Europe, keeping it doesn’t mean you won’t be punished.
It does, however, mean that large portions of the game will take place in the centre circle. And do you know what you can’t win from the centre circle? Exactly.
Celtic v AZ Alkmaar tips summary:
Double Chance: AZ or the Draw
Over 2.5 Goals
Liel Abada to Score Anytime
Under 10.5 Corners
* A Bet Builder on these four best bets pays at approximately 17/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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