*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change*
How on earth did Celtic lose 3-1 to Bodo Glimt in their Europa Conference League first round clash last Thursday? They were match fit and in fantastic form, whereas the Norwegians hadn’t kicked a ball in competitive action for over two months.
The numbers show they had more shots, both on and off target, more possession, more completed passes and 12 corners to their opponents’ zero. And yet, in the only stat that ever matters, Bodo triumphed 3-1. They looked the better side as well.
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The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right nowHow does Ange Postecoglou approach this second leg, then? Send the reserves or go for it and write off the first leg as an aberration? He insists it will be the latter but that first leg makes this game so tricky as Celtic were expected (certainly by me) to build a healthy lead at home in the first leg.
As always football is a cruel mistress, but what lies in store on Thursday? Can Celtic turn it around? More importantly, can I find you a winning Bet Builder? Let’s see if I can piece together this intriguing puzzle.
*A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 39/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Thursday 5.45pm: Bodo Glimt v Celtic
TV: BT Sport ESPN
Over 3.5 Goals
Whatever happens I think we’re in for plenty of action. Obviously we saw four goals in the first leg as Celtic huffed and puffed. While Glimt impressed they did have a stroke of luck with their deflected third. The Bhoys will need the rub of the green and I think we can expect them to come out firing having had a week to reflect.
Generally speaking they’re lethal in front of goal and they’ve had Over 3.5 Goals in all five of their most recent games. They’ve scored 15 goals in that time by themselves. Bodo Glimt have shown they’ve got a good plan against The Hoops and I think they’ll get at least one on Thursday. Over 3.5 goals is a nice price.
Celtic to Win
I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a really good cup tie and I think Celtic might win it in the 90. That’s not to say they’re going to qualify as Bodo Glimt are clearly in better shape than we could reasonably have imagined.
Celtic are going to be on the front foot and Bodo know they’ve got that precious two-goal cushion. The away side simply have to win to progress while their hosts know a loss could still see them through. That’s a dangerous mentality.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are a winning machine and that loss last Thursday was their first in any competition since Bayer Leverkusen beat them at the end of November. It still might not be enough but, with Bodo having it all to lose now, I fancy Celtic to Win inside the 90 minutes.
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Over 10.5 Corners
Given the fact that Celtic have to attack from the first whistle here I think we’re likely to see a lot of corners. The Bhoys racked up 12 by themselves in the first leg of this clash.
They had 11 alone at the weekend and their games have had Over 10.5 Corners on six occasions in their last eight. Bodo failed to muster a single one at Celtic Park but with the emphasis to be a little more on the front foot at home I think this one is a great play.
Giorgos Giakoumakis to Score First
When you’re in a hole you turn to your players who are in form. No man fits that bill more than Giorgos Giakoumakis who smashed a hat-trick in Celtic’s 3-2 win over Dundee at the weekend.
He didn’t start the first leg but must surely be nailed on to get the nod with The Bhoys desperate for goals. His record hasn’t been great this season and he’s only on five for the campaign but with Celtic’s European hopes resting on these 90 minutes I’m backing him to kick on and for Giakoumakis to Score First.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change*
Bodo Glimt v Celtic tips
Over 3.5 Goals
Celtic to Win
Over 10.5 Corners
Giorgos Giakoumakis to Score First
*A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 39/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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