Celtic v Nomme Kalju
Wednesday, 19:45
Live on Celtic TV
Hoops eased past Sarajevo
Champions League qualifiers continue to come thick and fast for the Scottish Premiership treble winners who are back in action on Wednesday evening. Nomme Kalju provide the opposition at Parkhead for this second-round tie and it’s a match Neil Lennon’s side are expected to win at a canter.
The Hoops brushed past FK Sarajevo last week at this venue, easing to a 5-2 aggregate score despite the fact it was their first competitive outing at home since 19 May. Will Estonian Premium Liiga champions Nomme Kalju provide a tougher test? Betfair traders don’t believe so, pricing the home win as odds-on favourite, but there’s enough in the match specials to hold our interest.
Celtic bolster the defence
Celtic secured their place in the second round thanks to a 2-1 win over Premier League BH champions FK Sarajevo last week. What was billed as a tricky tie before the first leg amounted to little more than a chance to get minutes in the legs for Lennon’s troops. Christie scored an opener on 26 minutes and although Tatar exposed the home defence to level the scores on 63 there could be no complaints when McGregor kept his cool to slot home and secure the win.
Following that result, Neil Lennon informed fans a fourth summer signing would be made in the next few days and that turned out to be Hatem Abd Elhamed who agreed to join from Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The 28-year-old defender has been capped by Israel and will help to fill the right back position that has given supporters cause for concern in recent times. Elhamed joins Christopher Jullien, Boli Bolingoli Mbombo and Luca Connell on the list of summer arrivals as Lennon looks to make his mark on the team inherited from Brendan Rodgers.
Kalju deserve credit for away win
Nomme Kalju won the 10-team Meistriliiga with a record reading 25 wins, 11 draws and no defeats, leaving them two points ahead of nearest rivals FCI Levadia. That achievement saw them enter at the Champions League first qualifying round where they rallied to see off Shkendija Tetovo over two legs. They needed the away goal rule to do it, however, losing 1-0 at home before battling back to secure a 2-1 victory on the road.
Tight, but credit must be given to the Pink Panthers for overturning the deficit away from home and they will arrive in Glasgow confident of holding their own at Parkhead. Winning may be a bridge too far for Roman Kozhukhovskyi’s side but they will aim to keep things competitive and ensure the tie remains live heading to the cramped Hiiu Stadium next week. Keeping the scores low would be ideal, getting an away goal just as helpful.
Traders can’t see past the locals
Celtic were impressive in the previous round, winning away and in front of their own fans. They still looked a few weeks off full fitness, but the squad will come on for the experience and we expect to see a sharper, tighter, more organised outfit here. It’s little surprise to see Betfair traders throw the weight of their support behind the Glaswegians and those looking to get on will find the home cheer priced at 1/33 on the Sportsbook. Fair, but that quote will force backers into the specials as they seek out a worthwhile interest.
As you would expect, there’s a bigger price available to those chancing their luck on the visitors. An upset for Nomme Kalju would not only leave Celtic’s reputation and chances of qualification in tatters, it would also land backers a stunning 40/1. An attractive price, although it’s unlikely to pull in too much attention. The draw is seen as a more likely outcome at 13/1 but shouldn’t be too popular in midweek predictions either.
Visitors playing without pressure
It’s worth remembering Celtic conceded two goals in two games against FK Sarajevo, including one at Parkhead. Nomme Kalju scored two of their own in the first qualifying round, both coming in that 2-1 away win over Shkendija Tetovo. The Scottish champions represent a significant step up in class, but it would be foolish to write off the chances of a plucky underdog who will feel they have nothing to lose on Wednesday.
Celtic to win and both teams to score has been chalked up as a 6/4 play on the Sportsbook. With a goalfest expected, over 3.5 goals in the game is 4/7, under the same line priced at 5/4. The latter would’ve been a winning bet in Celtic’s last outing and if Nomme Kalju do as expected and pack the defence, it looks worth backing again.
Source: Betfair Champions League
