CELTIC probably felt they could have fielded Borat last week and still beat Shakhter.
Neil Lennon’s men were given a rude awakening when they discovered that contrary to the madcap reporter Kazakhstan’s not that nice.
Not when you’re chasing a £20million Champions League bounty and find stuffy minnows blocking your path.
Bookies are sure Celtic will win tonight – but not convinced they’ll beat Karagandy by enough to qualify. Lennon’s side need to score at least three to make the group stage although 2-0 will force extra time.
I watched the first leg and after a bright start Celtic were shocking. However, the Kazakhs were no great shakes and there is no doubt this tie can be salvaged.
Celtic need to take their chances and an early goal would get the crowd on side. The Hoops are 23-20 with Ladbrokes to be leading after 30 minutes and for anyone who fancies an earlier strike you can have 11-4 tto be in front inside 15 minutes.
In the last round away to Skenderbeu it was 3-0 to the Albanians on their home soil inside half an hour and that must give Celtic some encouragement.
To win Celtic on the night are 1-4 with the likes of Hills and Ladbrokes with the draw 11-2 and Karagandy 14-1 at McBookie.com.
Celtic are a biggest 21-20 at McBookie.com to qualify while Shahkter are 4-5 with Ladbrokes, bet365 and Betfred.
I can see a 3-0 (13-2, Hills) or even 4-0 (12-1) victory if Celtic are on their game.
You can have 6-4 with Hills they qualify in 90 minutes and 12-1 to do so after extra time and 20-1 on penalties.
Georgios Samaras is likely to lead the line and is 11-2 (Hills) to score first but I’ll be on Kris Commons (11-2). He looked the biggest threat in Astana and of course takes the penalties. Commons is 6-4 with Hills to score in a Celtic win.
Recommended Bets
Celtic to qualify
(21-20, McBookie.com)
Celtic to be leading after 30mins
(23-20, Ladbrokes)
Commons to score first
(11-2, William Hill)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Really hope you’ve called this one right Mr.F.
I’m amazed that not many folk are mentionining/considering the likelihood of the Khazaks scoring which is bog in my book. If Celtic go 3 up they ate still not safe as the other team only need 1 to go through. I reckon Celtic will have to score as Karagandy will score. Therefore the question must be can Celtic score 4?
Ordinarily I would suggest yes but this is not a good Celtic team….they seem to be getting marginally worse year on year and nerves will play a big part both on and off the pitch.
If I was betting I’d go for at least 3 goals but whilst I believe Celtic will win on the night I don’t have enough confidence to Betty on either team to qualify.
delderek, I considered Shakhter to score but they will put 10 men behind the ball until or if they go three down. They didn’t do much attacking at home and got their goals from poor defending.
Delderek, marginally worse year on year? How exactly have you came to this conclusion? The team has marginally progressed every year since Neil Lennon has took over and this is fact with results and trophys to prove this.
Hank, I think there’s no doubt Celtic are weaker without Wanyama, Hooper and Wilson with none of the new signings yet to impress. If Celtic qualify they’ll need to splash some cash or have no chance of progressing.
Mr.F, totally agree. However this isn’t what delderek has said. Its too early too judge Celtic this year only a handful of games in and before the outcome of tonights match. What cant be denied is Celtic have made progress on the pitch over the course of the last 3 seasons.
Hank, they have over 3 years partly due to Rangers demise but this season they could go backwards. It’s understandable though because they could play you and I at the back and still win the league without Rangers being there.
So celtic’s progress in the champs league last year was due to the demise of rangers? Aye right!
pedro, who said that? It wasn’t me if that’s what you’re saying. Rangers not being about sure made easier for them to win the league and therefore qualify for the Champions League.
I’m Cc
Don’t really see why Shakhter at 12/1 isn’t the super single…Celtic were beaten fair and square in the 1st leg and then back at home against ICT, a game in which they would have been looking to prove a point to themselves and the fans, they flopped to a 2-2 draw…plus celtics home advantage will be neutralised if the Shakhter boss sacrifices a sheep again :D
Dave, there’s no way Shakhter will win tonight but if you think they will then back them big style.
Super single for me must be:
SHAKHTER to score @2.25
Celtic fielded a shadow side v ICT at the weekend, something they’ve done often before big CL matches. Unless they have major injuries, the Celtic 11 tonight should be more than good enough to see off the Kazhaks. Celtic’s home record in Europe is formidable. I’ll be backing any unquoted (correct score) at 16/5.
Celtic to qualify is my biggest bet of the year so far. I took the 6/5 last week but even the 21/20 is terrific value. Can’t see past Celtic qualifying and I’m not even a fan. If they fail to get past Karagandy it would be a disaster.
I’m pretty indifferent to Scottish football and am equally indifferent to Celtic/Rangers et al.
However, hope Celtic smash the sheep murderers tonight and I`ll be backing them to qualify
For anyone who doesn`t know what I meant by that:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23852624
I’m thinking of Celtic to qualify in extra time or a 3-0 score line. Haven’t seen much of the Kazakhs but Celtic home record in Europe is convincing me that they will make it through
Dave, read absolutely nothing into Celtic last sat. when you are competing in sport no matter what level and you have 2 events/ matches on the clip and the second one is the one that you have targeted its a natural reaction for you too be “saving the batteries” for the major one. speaking from experience throo my own sport ( not from a professional level) these guys will be scratching at the doors to get out there
I fully agree Commons looks like the match winner for me. I would check the teams and I think the odds on Celtic getting a penalty tonight are very high indeed.
Whether we score from the penalty is a different story.
Our defence has been very poor in the last few weeks and its hard to disagree with both teams to score also
If anyone wants a private bet I’m giving Shakhter 12/1 just to score tonight. Minimum bet £50.
That’s a brave shout Chris. If they score you would be doubly gutted with your team likely to go out? The bookies are offering 5/2 so it’s a great offer BTW!!
Chris
I will take your 12/1 on Karagundy scoring. I will have £500 on if this is suitable?
David
David, it’s not something I like to see on the site but if the two of you are happy to go ahead then do so but it’s not sanctioned or encouraged by me.
Celtic to be winning after 30 mins 23/20 @ Ladbrokes now. That’s got to be the super single Paul eh?
Chris, it will have a chance, that’s a good price.
Chris, it will have a chance, that’s a good price.
I fancy Lustig anytime tonight. He was 33/1 first goal and 12/1 anytime with Coral. I stuck £50 on anytime @ 12/1 on Monday. He has now been cut to 5/1 anytime with Coral despite them still offering 33/1 for him to score first so there must be some money going on him.
Muzza if Shakhter score I’m quite certain Celtic will go out. I’m hoping for a clean sheet
So would it be better to Celtic to qualify at evens or Celtic -2 at 8-5. Wot do you think boys
James, the only result that brings up the first but not the second is 2-0 Celtic if they go on to win after extra time or penalties.
What would you advise then mr F? Looking to bet quite a bit and double it with barca -1
James, I can’t give you guarantees. My tips on the Celtic game have been posted. I’d be concerned about Barca -1 especially if Messi doesn’t start.
booc/Bruce, that’s not a betting reason for not backing them so I will delete your comment about Celtic and Scottish football.
booc i hope you eat your words!
Chris, I like your confidence but that is just silly. Anyone can have a bet with you and then lay off their stake on betfair (you can back Celtic clean sheet at 4/5 on there). You’re just giving away a free bet.
think it will be an onslaught from Celtic for the full 90 minutes tempted to stay up and watch it then wander into work around midday
Btts is bet of the month
Archie I see what you are saying, is a bit
Daft eh? What’s the best price available for Shakhtar to score?
shakter will score imo and should go through,i hope so thats where my money is.
Is Chris laying Davids bet of £500 at 12/1 then?? I’d happily have £100 on Shakter to score at 12/1 Chris Guy..
Btts is bet of the month for me
reading the record online and it would appear Georgios Samaras is right up for it Betvictor anytime price of 29/20 looks good compared to bet365 4/5
Danny, I was speaking to one of our sports writers yesterday and he said the same thing, had never Samaras so focused.
Well well well
about the Celtic game…
BTTS is a possibility, so there4,
Over 2.5ft should also b a possibility..
Coz if Shakter dare Scores,Celtic will definitely go 4 goals which they need 2 Qualify.
SOOOO…
MY SUPER-SUPER sInGLe will be:-
CELTIC WIN & OVER 2.5 ft goals…
I’l also bet another little single for Over 3.5ft …in the game…
its a Miracle night…
FANTASTIC 3
AC MILAN WIN & OVER 2.5
CELTIC WIN & OVER 2.5
EVERTON WIN & OVER 2.5
««Best of Luck»»
(pray 4 Me)….
fixit what do you think about a goal to be scored in each half from either team in the celtic game at 8/15???
No qualifying method market on bet365? So gone with Celtic 2-0 and 3-0
SHAKHTER +2 @ 5/4 is great value, can easily see them scoring against Celtic,lets be honest Celtic are average at best and these odds represent value, are you honestly offering 12/1 on them scoring anytime chris?Out of interest what is the maximum bet you will take at these odds??????
Yeah I know Celtic will probably win 5-9 and that my other bet Celtic -4, but I’m backing Shakhter too do I can wind up my mate if it happens muhahahaha xD
I offer 2/1 btts, that’s more realistic right?
5-0. Not 5-9 although that would be a hell of a game
Bookies have got this all wrong.
Shaktar 13/1?
Celtic win both halves (Corners) 1/2 with ladbrokes.
Lumping on that!
TIPS FOR TONIGHT
Just incase anyone is interested Mikael Lustig is 12/1 again with Coral to score at anytime. This is such a fantastic price. He was initially 12/1 but his price was cut to 5/1 and now back out to 12/1. He is as short as 9/2 and 6/1 elsewhere. Of course if taking this price then you may wish to have a small wager on him to score first or last @ 33/1 which will boost the return. I believe the 6ft 3 defender will have plenty of opportunities from set pieces as I see wave after wave of attack.
For first Goalscorer I’m going with Joe Ledley. Ledley has been in the media over the past few days and you can tell he is determined to get a result. Ledley also seems to score in these important games. I was thinking about Commons too but at 11/2 I’d rather have Ledley @ 12/1. This may be something that I will regret after the game. Commons would have been my next choice but for now I go with Ledley.
Ledley First Goalscorer @ 12/1
Lustig to score anytime @ 12/1
Lustig First Goalscorer @ 33/1
Lustig Last Goalscorer @ 33/1
Good luck everyone.
over 3.5 team gls for the hoops, watford and forest £5 on at 120/1.
ambrose 1st gl inside 20 mins (45/1) plzen maribor over 2.5 gls & btts at Dumbarton Dundee utd. 50p on at 128/1
over 1.5 team goals watford forest, 2.5 celtic and btts sociedad lyon fiver at 13/2
damn, missed the boat, fancied Bet365, s 5/6 Celtic minus 4 corners this morning. its been altered to 6/5 minus 6 corners. leavin alone
c’mon shak .hold out.
First thing in the morning you will have to have a word with Mr Commons about his timekeeping, Mr Fixit. 20 mins too late. It was a great shout, otherwise.
Come on Celtic one more for a 11/2 win otherwise il take the 9/2
That’ll do nicely!
Mr F what’s your thinking on the barca game tonight…what do you think of hills fabregas and barca double at 8/5 if he starts that is…
Also UHT who you fancy in brazil tonight saying as your our resident South American tipster
Rory, I said earlier if Messi starts I’d be on Barca and probably go btts and over 2.5 goals.
3/3 SUPER Mr f ;-)
pats, it was 2 out of 3 but called Celtic just about right.
Wat a night!!!
My Super-Super single WON
Celtic & Over 2.5 @ 1.9odds
Two out of three picks tonight for you Paul as you know I’am a Rangers man and I would not have wasted money on Shakhter
opps my bad
I called that wrong and congrats to celtic I am glad they got through for their sake and for reputation of Scottish football
well done celtic – great atmosphere in ground also
Kris C looks their best player