CELTIC have done the hard work – or at least that’s what it says on the tin.
A 1-1 draw in Astana last week was a real bonus and Brendan Rodgers’s side are no bigger than 1-4 at bet365 to qualify.
It’s incredibly short but as one Hoops fan told me “Astana can’t beat us – but we can beat ourselves”.
By that he means cut out the defensive disasters that were so costly against Malmo last season and it should be plain sailing into the play-offs.
Kolo Toure is available but from what Rodgers is saying he isn’t likely to start so Efe Ambrose will need to be on his best behaviour.
Celtic defeated Shakhter Karagandy 3-0 when the Kazaks visited Glasgow and Astana are equally ropey travellers with no wins in eight matches.
The Glasgow side performed well in spells against Barcelona on Saturday and I expect them to win at a best 4-6 (Coral) but bookies are giving little away.
Two goals may be needed to win on the night and Celtic to score two plus pays 20-23 at boylesports.
Astana need to score and are 3-4 at boylesports to do so while both teams to score is 23-20 at betfair. If Ambrose starts anything is possible.
Leigh Griffiths netted in Astana and against Barca and is 7-2 at Paddy Power to break the deadlock tonight.
Griffiths apart it’s Patrick Roberts rather than Moussa Dembele who looks the biggest threat and the Man City loan star is 7-1 at Paddy Power to score first.
For anyone who fancies Astana they are 11-2 at bet365 with the draw paying 29-10 at McBookie. The Kazaks are 11-4 with Coral to qualify.
Recommended Bets
Celtic to score 2+
Griffiths to score first
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CELTIC VS ASTANA TIPS
Mikael Lustig First Goalscorer @ 28/1
Mikael Lustig Anytime Goalscorer @ 10/1
Scott Brown First Goalscorer @ 25/1
Scott Brown Anytime Goalscorer @ 9/1
All prices with Betfred
Good luck!!!!
Good luck but I think it will be Griffiths or Roberts.
You can never rule out Griffiths but can’t ignore the 28/1 for Lustig. Roberts is a cracking player but I think he’d be more likely to set up a goal than score himself. Good luck.
Celtic had one shot on target in the 1st leg.
Astana have played 7 away games in champions league since 2015 conceding 2 or more only twice to athletico Madrid and Benfica, and Celtic are light years below those 2 teams in quality.
Astana scored on twice in those 7 games though, so I see a correct score spread of 0-0 1-0 1-1
Astana’s away form is poor though and they haven’t won away in the CL groups or qualifiers.
Everyone knows Celtic are better at home and I can see 1-0 2-0 or 2-1.
We are without doubt our own worst enemy.
As a fan for over 50 years I cant trust this squad to get the job done.
This could be very nervy,as they created a lot of chances at home.
They will score,so we need 2 at least to go through.
I can see Celtic scoring 3 or 4 tonight. Patrick Roberts at 11/1 to score 2 or more is worth a punt .
Is the match not live anywhere?? Cant find anything.
It’s only on Celtic TV
Here’s a link to the game which will be working later. Watch on computer or phone.
http://www.vipleague.mobi/football/404367/1/celtic-(sco)-vs-fc-astana-(kaz)-live-stream-online.html
Cheers Chris Guy.Will try later :)
Cheers Scott.
Gordon, Janko, Lustig, O’Connell, Tierney, Brown, McGregor, Armstrong, Roberts, Forrest, Griffiths.
No Ambrose lol
Ambrose no even on the bench, hail the saviour BR ?