CAN Celtic wrap up Europa League qualification? We asked Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) to give us his thoughts.
Celtic v Red Bull Salzburg | Thursday 20:05 | BT Sport 1
One of my main 2014/15 betting strategies was to back Celtic's opponents with a goal start in the SPFL. That's been fairly successful so far, but Ronny Delia's side seem to be improving as the campaign progresses so the tide may have turned. Looking at the odds for this game, they seem to be underrated.
To see Celtic as big as 19/10 (Bet365) at home against a similar calibre side has surprised me. Let's start by looking at their Europa League record. They find themselves on the cusp of qualifying for the Last 32 and sit five points clear of third place Dinamo Zagreb. They're unbeaten, have won both their home matches so far and drawn their away ties. Pretty solid performances.
Overall, they've lost just one game in 15 and have won 10 out of their last 12 encounters. Yes, Ronny Delia is starting to settle in at Parkhead.
Their opponents, Red Bull Salzburg, have already qualified for the knockout stage after winning three of their four matches. Their only dropped points were at home to Celtic in September. As it was the Scottish referendum that night, perhaps the bookmakers have forgotten about Celtic's draw? It's also worth pointing out that Salzburg face league title rivals RZ Pellets WAC on Sunday.
Yes, the aura of Celtic at home has dissipated in the last couple of years but they are capable of grafting out results in this competition against the likes of Red Bull Salzburg. The draw looks massive at 14/5 with Skybet, but I'll go all in on Celtic here at 19/10 with Bet365.
Best Bet
Celtic v Red Bull Salzburg – Celtic to win (19/10 Bet365)
