CELTIC look to move closer to the group stages on Wednesday when they face FK Karabakh in the Champions League. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) brings the bets.
Celtic v FK Karabakh | Wednesday 19:45
For a league that's so often derided it's somewhat odd to see the champions of it such short prices in European competition. Yes, once again Celtic have been grossly over-estimated in the betting in this horrible looking match.
Bet 365 are as short as 4/11 on the Scottish champions but the best price in the village is William Hill's 4/9. It's still way too short for me when you look at the profile of their Azerbaijani opponents.
Karabakh (or Qarabag) have won their last two domestic titles and flown the flag well for Azerbaijan in European competition. This is their sixth successive European campaign when they've gone past the first hurdle. Improvement seems to come every year.
The real progression began in 2013/14 when they got all the way to the Europa League play-off round and narrowly went down to Eintracht Frankfurt. Last season though they had their best ever campaign.
Narrow losers in this particular round of the Champions League to Red Bull Salzburg they went into the Europa League play-off round and knocked out Dutch side Twente. In the group stage they picked up six points and beat the overall runners-up Dnipro. This side are no mugs.
Celtic saw off Stjarnen in the last round despite a wee wobble here and there. This time last year they were humiliated by Legia Warsaw in this round losing at home and followed that up with another home loss to Maribor in the next round.
Ronny Deila's side improved as the season progressed and managed to get out their Europa League group. One thing to note, they lost to Red Bull Salzburg at home in that group while Karabakh beat the Austrian side at home in a Champions League play-off.
Celtic looked shaky and nervy against Stjarnen in Glasgow and we could see the same thing occurring again. Celtic are far too short for me and there are ample betting opportunities to get involved with.
Firstly I'll back Karabakh +1 at 2/1 with Bet365. I'll also back them to win at an absolutely massive 17/2 with the same firm and back 0-0 at 19/2 with 888 Sport. Celtic struggled at home in these matches last year and if history repeats itself I'm getting massive odds.
Best Bets
Celtic v FK Karabakh – FK Karabakh +1 (7/4 Bet365)
Celtic v FK Karabakh – FK Karabakh to win (17/2 Bet365)
Celtic v FK Karabakh – 0-0 Draw (19/2 888 Sport)
Fancy Backing Celtic At 4/1?
Betfair are offering new customers the chance to back the Scottish champs at a massive 4/1 in this match.
Take advantage of the offer and we'll buy you a beer. Just email us at hello@welovebetting.co.uk to claim your prize.
