Celtic need a hero in Rosenborg
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Scots favourites to pass European test
It may be early August, without a ball kicked in the Scottish Premiership, but treble winners Celtic already have their season hanging in the balance. They go to Rosenborg on Wednesday evening for the second leg of their Champions League qualifier with the game locked at 0-0.
The Bhoys must score in Norway if they want to keep their hopes of making the group stages alive. Easier said than done, especially as The Hoops travel with a lack of proven forwards. Will The Bhoys do the business? Click here to have your say at Coral.
Advantage with Rosenborg
Celtic were expected to put one foot in the next round with a comfortable win in Glasgow last week, but on the night Brendan Rodgers’ side huffed and puffed their way to a 0-0 draw, gifting the advantage to Rosenborg going into Wednesday’s decider. There were chances at both ends in the first-leg, Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon showing fine form to keep the visitors out on more than one occasion.
James Forrest and Stuart Armstrong had opportunities to break the deadlock, but found Rosenborg to be a well-organised opponent, happy to sit back and welcome the hosts to break them down. Will Kare Ingebrigtsen’s side be a bit more adventurous on their own patch? Coral traders don’t think so, and price a home win up at 7/4, while those stuck on the fence will find 21/10 about the draw. The Troll Children are a chunky 4/1 to win to nil, a price sure to catch the attention of neutrals.
Bhoys backed to progress
Rodgers takes his side to Norway with a real lack of options up front. Moussa Dembele remains on the sidelines, expected to be out until at least September, while back-up scorer Leigh Griffiths has been nursing a knock, and will be given until the last minute to pass a fitness test. The Scotland striker was invaluable in the last round vs Linfield, and the visitors could do with having him back.
Celtic flexed their muscles with a 5-0 friendly win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, proving there’s goals right through this team. They’ll be hoping to show that again, and punters eager to support the away day will find The Bhoys as 7/5 favourites to win the match. Clicking no in the both to score coupon would’ve earned you a profit in each of the last three meetings of these sides, and the same again on Wednesday is 11/10.
