CELTIC begin their Europa League knockout round action on Thursday night with a tough tie at home to Valencia. Scottish football expert Mr Fixit (@MrFixitTips) previews the encounter.
Celtic v Valencia | Thursday 14th February 2019, 20:00 | BT Sport
Celtic’s away record in Europe is so bad they probably need to beat Valencia on Thursday night. And that will be no mean feat despite the Hoops' impeccable form since returning from holiday.
Brendan Rodgers's men have won seven in row and more impressively have done so by keeping seven clean sheets. However, a visit from the Spanish masters will be their toughest test and Celtic are as big as 12/5 with SkyBet to take an advantage to the Mestalla.
Valencia are 7/5 with Betfred but aren't the world's best travellers with three road wins in La Liga and 10 goals scored – and their injury problems have been well documented. I can see a draw at 23/10 with Bet365 and a scoring one is possible at 15/4 with BetVictor.
At the prices, the home men will attract interest and you can have 29/20 at Marathon on Celtic draw no bet, while not to lose the Scots are 33/50 at the same firm.
Valencia showed their quality by recently holding Barcelona 2-2 in the Nou Camp and are no bigger than 1/3 at SkyBet to qualify with the Hoops 3/1 at Ladbrokes. But Celtic's confidence will be high and there is every chance they can avoid defeat.
Scott Sinclair's the man who has been in the goals recently – 11 in 11 games – and is 9/1 at Betway to score first while impressive newcomer Oli Burke is 7/1 with McBookie.
Valencia dangerman Kevin Gameiro is 13/2 favourite at Betway to strike first. He has two in three games but just five all season.
Best Bets
Celtic v Valencia – Celtic draw no bet (29/20 Marathon)
Celtic v Valencia – Scott Sinclair to score first (9/1 Betway)
