I COULD do no wrong last weekend with my tips on the Celtic v Qarabag match but predicting the outcome of Wednesday's second leg is much tougher.
My first-leg predictions included Celtic to win to nil and Dedryck Boyata to score at 12-1 and I'd love a repeat.
Much has been said about the state of the bumpy Baku pitch and it's worth bearing in mind.
As I said last week Qarabag are an “unders” team who are neat and tidy back to middle but a little short up front. You could see them winning 1-0 but not 3-1 and that's the scenario they'd need if Celtic hit the target.
Celtic are likely to go through of they grab a crucial away strike and I reckon they'll get one.
It's worth remembering Qarabag drew 0-0 at home to Rudar in the previous round and in a slow burner a nervy scoreless first half is possible at 6-4 with Paddy Power.
Celtic are huge favourites at 1-6 with McBookie to qualify and 31-20 with the Scots firm to win in Azerbaijan. Qarabag are 2-1 with McBookie and William Hill while the draw pays 11-5 with McBookie and bet365.
Nadir Ciftci is yet to open his account for the Hoops so Deila may turn to Leigh Griffiths, 21-10 at Ladbrokes to net, if he is fully fit.
Boyata is one new boy who has made his mark – twice in fact in the Champions League after also scoring against Stjarnan.
Qarabag's lack of height is known but surely he can't strike again. He is 12-1 with Betfred to net and 33-1 to break the deadlock.
Maybe it's the turn of fellow scorer Virgil van Dijk who is shorter at 17-2 with 888sport to net and 20-1 at Paddy Power to bang in the opener.
Recommended Bets
Half-time 0-0
(6-4, Paddy Power)
Van Dijk to score
(17-2, 888sport)
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.
Good luck to everyone today. The bet for me has got to be Boyata anytime. It’s hard to ignore when he’s 16/1 with Bet365 to net. Great price for a defender who has scored in his last 2 European games.
Boyata anytime @ 16/1
I like the van dijk to score anytime bet this time mr f. I thought the same as u obviously that surely lightning can’t strike twice with boyata. Been a wee while since he scored too. Also under 2.5 goals for me as part of an accer. Bol
Agree Chris, I’ve just taken 1st and anytime at 33/1 & 16/1 so hopefully £200+ is coming my way tonight, had £2 on him to score 1st in the 2nd half at HT last wk at the game so hopefully he does it again
This is a lot tougher than last week as you say Mr F so im going for Draw HT 20/21 and a side bet of Away team (Celtic) Highest scoring half 2nd at a tasty 8/5. Another bet i may do is Qarabag win BTTS 6/1 with Celtic progressing on away goal. Good luck all and all the best to the Hoops and Aberdeen respectively.
This is a lot tougher than last week as you say Mr F so im going for Draw HT 20/21 and a side bet of Away team (Celtic) Highest scoring half 2nd at a tasty 8/5. Another bet i may do is Qarabag win BTTS 6/1 with Celtic progressing on away goal. Good luck all and all the best to the Hoops and Aberdeen respectively.
I’d also possibly have a flutter on Commons FGS at 15/2 or anytime at 5/2 if he starts.
Celtic match under 2.5 goals looks a cert at 1.53!
Blue tinted glasses !!! Why cant people just wish the Scottish teams well in Europe.
Because its a betting site not a supporters site.
And why should you support a team just because they play in a Scottish league.Personally I want the BAGS to win cause Celtic will get 20m making them even stronger before Rangers get promoted.2/1 the home side am on it.
I called it right last week on plus two qarabag last week. I said Celtic are poor specially in Europe.
I’ll be on qarabag to qualify tonight at 4/1
May double it up with Cska Moscow to qualify aswell. 10 /1 on both to qualify
Pedro watch out for tge wincast wi 365, there ones 1st gl scorer/team to win so you’d be better off just going 1st gl. Think that’s the only bookies that has a wincast down as that, everywhere else is anytime/team to win
I noticed this Alves, considering I could see us getting a score draw as much as a 1-0 I might just put the 3 on first and anytime for some interest. Tough game ahead but I don’t see any scenario where Celtic don’t score, and Qarabag aren’t dangerous enough to score 3
2-0 qarabag aswell. Put a small stake on that
What’s your thoughts on the game then John?
1-0 or 2-1 Qarabag. Maybe 1-1. Qarabag had more corners than celtic in 1st leg so -1 corners handicap Qarabag also looks good as they will press hard.
Is it on telly?
Martin, it’s on BT Sport
Cheers Scott
Just away lot wi’ a few of the mates for a few supper time beers and drammies to watch the hoops, here’s hoping for a good result, score one and they’ll be through I believe, cover both Van Dijk and Boyata for the header from a corner. Also backing Celtic in a five timer with Malmo and Fenerbahce tonight along with Aberdeen and Astra Giurgui tomorrow night.
Quick question folks. I’ve backed boyata fg and at but I’m being swayed by big van dijk so if I back van dijk last goal and he scores the only goal of the game, is that a win.
Desy, yes
Cheers Scott
John smith already mentioned it but home side most corners 1/1 with sky.
On bt sport now for anyone asking
Sparta Prague have started well, 2-0 in 12 mins!
Qarabag -1 crnrs looks a cert now at 6 – 1
Think qarabag have been dire. Celtic were there to be got at. Just missing even the smallest bit of quality to create a chance. Even the last 5mins the had 6 players in front of the ball when attacking.
Think seeing all Celtic done to this poor side we won’t be seeing Celtic in the group stage which is a bit disappointing for Scottish coefficient
Callum g, celtic did what was needed on a bad pitch.
May have made that comment before I checked the facts. Celtic apparently are going to miss the teams with quality in the next round. Likes of shatktt , Monaco. Might be tight.
There is some pub teams that Celtic could get so u never know. I think if they draw a team with strong home backing they will struggle.
Just UEFA at there best. Why make Celtic play 3 teams to get there if there going to give them crap to play once they get to the play off while teams that didn’t need to play the first 2 are getting evenly good teams
Callum g, Celtic as league winners have what’s called the Champions route. This was brought in to give champions a better chance of making it as opposed to teams playing in the Champions League who were not champions. You can only beat what’s in front of you and Celtic have every chance of making it to the groups now.
I bet the likes of Ajax and Red Bull would swap places with them.
Mr FixTips, you are more than a tipster. Sometimes i feel you have the ability to see into the future, your games for today are spot on, its incredible how you get them correctly, cant wait for saturday. Thank you Sir
Ovidious, unfortunately I can’t see into the future. I’m on a good run but I’ve had bad ones.
cheers mr f great shout on 0-0 half time,callum g your pain is tangible as is consistent with your comments history
Jjone your entitled to your opinion but not many people can say they win money (profit) from gambling like myself. I know a lot more than the average punter.
If I’m being honest if I was a tipster I wouldn’t be out of place.
All I’m saying is Celtic lack quality and if they are paired with someone with some they will stuggle
Unlucky Alva glen! And here’s hoping Aberdeen can get through to the next round, would be fantastic for scottish football! Stand free!
Callumg, I agree with you to a certain extent, but hey ho Qarabaq have a pretty good home record and I believe Celtic handled them comfortably, here’s hoping Aberdeen do the same tomorrow and dispel this Armageddon times nonsense!!
Mon the hoops :) did enough to qualify as our opponents never troubled us even though they had to go for it. Hopefully the Dons can do the same tomorrow and qualify for EL playoff, that’s what every Scottish football fan should do instead of the bitterness Aberdeen, everyone at Celtic is rooting for you
craig, lossie jim,taxman spot on mon the dons
Nice price Mr F know a good few from the racing thread were on Even us Jags neutrals
Ta
dougiec, good to see.
John smith already mentioned it but home side most corners 1/1 with sky.
**WON** 7-1, nice and easy for a change
Good luck to Aberdeen tonight A wee 1-0 would do the trick.
Aberdeen to qualify @ Evs looks good to me.