BRENDAN RODGERS has voiced frustration at Celtic's lack of summer signings but his players have made a decent fist of their Champions League campaign so far despite the shortage of reinforcements.
The Hoops have safely negotiated two of the four qualifying ties, with AEK Athens next up at Parkhead tonight for the first leg of their third-round clash.
Result
Celtic's home form has been the bedrock of their Euro challenge in recent years and they've already beaten Alashkert 3-0 and Rosenborg 3-1 in this summer's campaign.
AEK represent a step up in class but a home win is a must for the Hoops who often fail to convince on the road in Europe and need something to protect in Athens.
Celtic's defence remains suspect at the top level, especially if inexperienced duo Kris Ajer and Jack Hendry are paired at centre-back, but they're formidable in the final third.
With a full house roaring them on, and in-form Odsonee Edouard leading the line, the Scottish champs can take victory tonight at 7-10.
Team specials
Rodgers' side will be on the offensive from the start seeking an early advantage and they're decent value at 9-4 to net in both halves.
They boast goals all over the team, with the likes of Olivier Ntcham, James Forrest, Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor all capable of weighing in with a crucial strike.
It's likely Celtic will dominate possession and have the bulk of chances so they're well capable of netting either side of the break same as they did against Rosenborg.
Corners
Celtic racked up a dozen corners in their Premiership opener against Livingston at the weekend and averaged 7.37 at home in the league last season.
AEK will put up stiffer resistance than Scottish top-flight new boys Livi but will still face plenty of pressure and can chip in to the corner count too, so go for over 8 combined at 4-7.
Bet Builder Tip
- Celtic win
- Celtic to score in both halves
- Over 8 match corners
- (9-2, bet365)
