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Celtic begin Scottish Premiership defence with Ross County clash

| 01.08.2015
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic will begin the defence of their crown against Ross County, and are not only massive favourites to topple their opposition but overwhelming odds-on 1/25 front runners with Coral to retain the title.

Ronny Deila guided the Bhoys to a dominant domestic campaign in his first season in charge at Parkhead, adding the Scottish League Cup to his title triumph as well, and they are 9/4 to overcome Ross County with both teams scoring.

The Hoops recently took a huge step towards returning to Europe’s elite club competition, having exited in the Champions League play-off round last term, after Dedryck Boyata’s late header earned a 1-0 first leg win over Qarabag.

Soccer - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle - Celtic Park

Determined Bhoys boss Deila has set tough goals for his strengthened squad ahead of the new campaign, as he looks to enjoy even more success during his second season in the job, since taking over from Neil Lennon.

“The goals are the same as they were last year,” stated the former Stromsgodset boss. “We want to get into the Champions League; we want to win everything in Scotland.

“We want to improve the culture and the players individually and as a team so we can play exciting football.

“They are tough goals but you have to put tough goals on a fantastic club. That is what we are aiming for and we will see what we get.

“The most important thing is winning the league so we keep on being in Europe but of course, if we can get into the Champions League, that is a very important goal for us.”

Griffiths_Old_Firm_goal

Deila will have to put European targets aside this weekend, though, as he aims to make a strong start to the defence of their title, with their opposition 9/1 to cause an upset in Glasgow in the campaign opener.

New Hoops hitman Nadir Ciftci begins serving his ban for a biting incident for Dundee United last term, meaning Leigh Griffiths could lead the line, with the Scotland international 11/4 to open proceedings on home soil.

Soccer - Pre-Season Friendly - Celtic v FC Den Bosch - St Mirren Park

Former Manchester City defender Boyata has been in sublime form during pre-season since arriving, while also having netted his side’s vital Champions League winner over Qarabag, and he is 9/1 to bag his first league goal against Ross County.

Meanwhile, Brian Graham will be a danger for the visitors and is 7/2 to strike anytime, while Liam Boyce is 10/1 to net last. The Staggies haven’t toppled Celtic since March 2012 and failed to score in three meetings last season, with the Bhoys odds-on 7/10 to win to nil for a fourth successive clash.

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Author

Lee Gormley

Lee joined the Coral team in 2014 after studying at Leeds Trinity University, having moved across the water from Ireland, and has plenty of industry experience from his time with various news outlets in both England and Northern Ireland. After graduating with a BA Honours degree in Sports Journalism, he has since become an important member of the talented sports desk, passionately covering boxing, football and snooker, among many other sports. Lee is also a massive Manchester United and Republic of Ireland fan, but curbs any bias during his work, and outside of his job can be found regularly taking part in sport himself, such as boxing, GAA and football.