CELTIC will be looking to keep their European hopes alive when they travel to the Czech Republic to face FK Jablonec on Thursday.
The Hoops' slow start to their summer transition came back to bite them as they were dumped out of the Champions League qualifiers by FC Midtjylland last midweek, on a night where both of my bets banked.
Another tale of misery soon followed at Tynecastle on Saturday as Celtic slumped to their first opening-day defeat in the Scottish Premiership in 24 years.
As such, Ange Postecoglou has had to endure a baptism of fire as Bhoys boss and he will be desperately seeking a morale-boosting victory in central Europe on Thursday evening.
FK Jablonec, meanwhile finished third in the Czech.1 Liga last season and they now begin their bid to reach the Europa League group stage for what would only be the second time in their history.
Petr Rada's posse warmed up for this crunch qualifier with a demoralising 3-0 defeat at Mlada Boleslav a Saturday, a side who limped to an 11th placed finish last term.
Outright Betting
FK Jablonec are 3/1 outsiders with William Hill while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 13/5 with Bet 365.
Celtic are enduring a sticky start to the season but the Scottish heavyweights head into this first-leg as 10/11 (William Hill) favourites.
Betting Angles
I successfully backed both teams to score in Celtic's Champions League qualifier with Midtjylland last week and I like the look of a repeat here at 19/20 with SportNation.
Postecoglou isn't without his problems to seek and it could take time for his new-look defence to get things right.
The former Socceroos chief has lost two of his opening three matches in charge of the Hoops and his rearguard has looked vulnerable in each of those respective outings.
That said, Celtic produced a number of opportunities against Midtjylland to suggest that they can make the net bulge at the Stadion Strelnice on Thursday evening.
The Czech hosts, who will be roared on by 6000 fans, shipped three goals at minnows Mlada Boleslav last time out and their Glasgow guests will represent a serious upgrade on that challenge.
With all things considered, the 19/20 (SportNation) about both teams obliging makes appeal, not to mention it's a bet that would have rewarded BTTS punters in each of Celtic's three games across all competitions this season so far.
I'll also dip into the goalscorer market where Celtic skipper Callum McGregor is perhaps worth a speculative punt at 9/1 with PaddyPower to score anytime.
McGregor has notched in two of his last four appearances for Celtic and given his impressive early-season performances, the aforementioned price just looks a little bit too big to me.
This UEFA Europa League match between FK Jablonec and Celtic will be played on Aug 5, 2021 and kick off at 16:45. Check below for our tipsters best FK Jablonec vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
