LAST week's first leg between these sides was an enthralling six goal encounter. More of the same Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79)?
Inter v Celtic | Thursday 18:00 | BT Sport 1
Well, hands up, I got this first leg massively wrong last week. So wrong, someone slagged me off on Twitter, which was fair enough. But Inter having an inconsistent side and with the form of Celtic's domestic improvement hard to translate on the European stage, it was always going to be a tough fixture to call.
John Guidetti's added time goal has kept the tie alive, but Celtic are surely in for a harder test this time round at the San Siro after last week's 3-3 draw.
Since Roberto Mancini returned to the Inter hot seat in November it's been a bit of a struggle, but after three wins and a draw in their last four matches, the Nerazzurri are on their best run of form since the former Man City manager walked back into the door.
Palermo and Atalanta were both dispatched by three clear goals, and on Monday Inter moved into the Top 8 with a 2-1 win over Cagliari. There must be an air of positivity resonating round the club.
That will certainly be the case at Celtic after a run of nine domestic wins in a row, but even in their 21st century pomp under Martin O'Neill they struggled on the road in Europe, and there's no reason to suggest that won't continue.
They've failed to win any of their last five away games in Europe, and if you discount the pre-play off rounds of European competition, they're P11 W0 D3 L8 over the last three seasons on the road. The lowlights include defeats to Shakhter Karagandy and Dinamo Zagreb, and draws against Astra Giurgiu and Maribor.
To be fair to the Glasgow club though, their away form has improved this season. Yes, they're playing weaker sides than when they hung around the Champions League, but a draw away at Red Bull Salzburg is not to be sniffed at.
The Bhoys scored in every away game in their Europa League group and they've notched in all 10 of their 2015 matches. Can they score at the San Siro though? Inter conceded just one goal at home in the group stages.
BWin offer 11/4 on Inter winning and both teams scoring in this match and that really does appeal. But I'm afraid I'm going to be more cautious and back Inter -1 on the Asian Handicap at 41/40 with Bet365.
I just can't see this bet losing. It might not pay out, but I'd be stunned if Celtic avoided defeat here. Inter are showing improvement under Mancini, they walked their Europa League group and Celtic have struggled away in European competition against this calibre of opposition for many years now.
Best Bet
Inter v Celtic – Inter -1 Asian Handicap (41/40 Bet365)
Your View
What do you guys think about this game? Anyone prefer the 11/4 on an Inter win and both teams scoring? Maybe some of you think Celtic can get something?
We'd love to hear your thoughts so let us know in the comments box below.
4 Comments
I can’t see Celtic not scoring here and I actually like the look of Celtic to score +1.5 at 4.33(10/3). I will be having a small punt on that one. Inter’s good form does not negate the fact that they still look to have a shoddy defence and Celtic will play the only way this Celtic team seems to know, which is all guns blazing. It wouldn’t surprise me if this game was another goal fest. Another Zagreb perhaps? +6.5 goals @ 25/1? Maybe better t go for + 3.5 @ 2/1.
I don’t think Inter will sit in here and Celtic will certainly go for it. Another early goal and it could be another cracker. 30 shots on goal last week, 15 for each side with something like 50% on target. I smell goals.
Good shouts there mate. I’m probably leaning too much on the Celtic of old when they played away from home. Delia’s side are certainly very different. Like I mentioned in the article, I couldn’t put anyone off the Inter win & BTTS at 11/4. Would love to see Celtic win, but in truth this is their biggest away test in Europe for over a year.
I’m sure Aberdeen fans will want them involved in an almighty tiring tussle.
Aberdeen fancies will be screaming for a 3-3 draw and extra-time. 😀
Ha ha. Spot on. Can’t wait for that game on Sunday!