Celtic v FK Jablonec: Bhoys have done the hard work but must improve defensively

“The Bhoys are in control of this tie and having scored four goals on the road are within touching distance of the next round.”

Celtic v FK Jablonec
Thursday, 19:45
Live on Premier Sport

Hoops hoping to finish the job

Celtic fans return to Parkhead on Thursday evening with a capacity crowd in attendance for the first time since the first UK wide lockdown. Supporters welcome Ange Postecoglou’s new-look side as they aim to protect a 4-2 aggregate lead after putting FK Jablonec to the sword last week in the Czech Republic.

The Bhoys are in control of this tie and having scored four goals on the road are within touching distance of the next round. Everyone connected to the Glasgow side will want to see an improved defensive showing. Will they get their wish, or will the Czech First League side make life difficult?

Celtic unconvincing despite the victory

Celtic scored a 4-2 away win in the first leg, but they weren’t nearly as convincing as the final score suggests. New signings Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi were both on target inside the first 16 minutes, but Vaclav Pilar struck back for the Czech side. The Hoops again moved two goals clear when James Forest hit the net before a Nir Bitton own goal and Ryan Christie winner capped a frantic finish.

Postecoglou’s team were far more convincing at the weekend when they got off the mark in the Premiership and they did it in some style. After watching champions Rangers sink to a 1-0 defeat at Tannadice the day before, Celtic responded to move level with Gers on three points thanks to a jaw-dropping 6-0 win over Dundee. The side oozed class, giving the support a taste of what they are capable of and, they’ll hope, what’s to come. Supporters will want to see more of the same on Thursday.

Czechs have nothing to lose

FK Jablonec missed what looked to be their best chance at causing an upset and eliminating Celtic when losing four goals at home. They were competitive in the contest and took full advantage of their opponent’s nervy defence, especially at set-pieces, but their defence let them down. The final goal scored by Christie finished them off. 3-2 with no away goal rule kept them in it but having to beat Celtic by two clear goals in Glasgow is a huge ask.

The visitors warmed up for this tie with a 2-2 home draw on Sunday against B. 1905. That was another disappointing result and means Jablonec have conceded nine goals in their last three games. That will encourage the Celtic attackers and fans. If the visitors are to have any chance of winning this match, they must cut out any unforced errors.

Back a solid home win

Celtic have already done the hard work in this tie and must not merely try to protect their aggregate lead. The Scots showed on Saturday just how dangerous they are in attack and the defence will improve. Back Celtic for the win @ 1.384/11 on the Betfair Exchange.

The visitors have nothing to lose. They missed a great chance to beat Celtic at home and must improve in Glasgow. The visitors must score the first goal and silence the home crowd, but it looks unlikely and there will be little interest in the 8.615/2 for an away win or 5.24/1 the draw.

Defence will continue to leak goals

Celtic’s defence is still miles off the finished article, but the weekend win shows they are heading in the right direction. Jablonec scored two last week but the fact they conceded four suggests there are more goals to come in this tie.

Back the second leg to produce over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.511/2 on the Exchange or the 1.845/6 for both teams to score should keep things interesting.