Ostersunds FK v Arsenal: Arsenal to win (-1) – 13/10
While Ostersunds are very much in their infancy as a club at just over 21 years old (having been formed just five weeks before Arsene Wenger took up the Arsenal hot seat in 1996), their recent history could easily be the script of a Hollywood movie.
It all began with the appointment of a little-known Englishman by the name of Graham Potter in December 2010. The former Stoke, Birmingham and West Brom full-back brought about a revolution in the club’s fortunes, overseeing three promotions in five seasons to bring Ostersunds to Sweden’s top tier.
Have you made the journey to Ostersund? How have you spent the day if so? Reply to this with your pics and videos #OSTvAFC pic.twitter.com/NTaOtr8Lqs
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2018
Even their Europa League campaign has been a dream for Potter and Co, qualifying from a group stage that contained much more experienced European opposition to get to this last 32 glamour tie with Arsenal. However, you’d expect this to be the round where the fairy-tale ends for the Swedish outfit.
Ostersunds have only played one competitive game this year, as their season doesn’t begin until the start of April and you’d expect Arsenal’s greater quality and fitness to tell here. Wenger’s men will be looking to take out their frustrations after a losing effort in the North London Derby and we reckon The Gunners can fire to topple the (-1) handicap at 13/10.
Celtic v Zenit St Petersburg: Draw – 9/4
Sitting eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, you’d think Brendan Rodgers would be make this competition his top priority at this point in the campaign.
However, his charges head into this game on the back of an almost unbelievable injury crisis as Dedryck Boyata, Patrick Roberts, Leigh Griffiths, Stuart Armstrong, Craig Gordon, Jonny Hayes and Anthony Ralston are all currently on the treatment table. There was even worse news today as it was confirmed that experienced midfielder Nir Bitton is out for the season with a knee injury.
Celtic Park no longer seems to have the intimidation factor they once had on European nights too. PSG, Bayern Munich and Anderlecht all won there in the Champions League. While, Zenit St Petersburg arrive in Scotland tonight on the back of five wins in their last six Europa League outings.
The Russians are more than capable of coming away with a result tonight and we reckon a draw at 9/4 is the best way to go.
Grab some cracking football odds over at PaddyPower.com* All odds correct at time of posting.