CELTIC'S visit to Astana is more of a sightseeing exercise than a trip to hell.
Brendan Rodgers's men are all but through after a 5-0 first-leg demolition so tonight's tie is difficult to call.
Astana have only pride to play for while Celtic must ensure there is no complacency as they want to put on a show before Thursday's draw for the groups.
The Kazakhstan outfit are 60-1 with unibet to qualify and there's no chance despite being unbeaten in Champions League matches at home. This includes draws against Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid and Benfica and victories over APOEL and Legia Warsaw.
They have though kept just two clean sheets in those games so while WDW depends on attitude on the night both teams to score could be a good shout at 8-13 with William Hill.
If Astana give it a go both to score and over 2.5 goals could be on at 11-10 at Coral.
Both clubs are 17-10 to win with McBookie and it's not the easiest of calls considering the state of play.
Leigh Griffiths tormented the Kazakhs at Parkhead and is 11-8 at McBookie to net while Scott Sinclair, who hit a first-leg double, is 85-40 with the Scots firm.
Elsewhere two of the ties are in the balance and two look settled. I can’t see any way back for Nice who trail a strong Napoli side 2-0. Best bet here could be over 2.5 goals at 4-6 with McBookie as the French chase it.
Mario Balotelli will return for the French but that's countered by the loss of Alassane Plea who was sent off in the first leg.
Sevilla won 2-1 at Istanbul and the experienced European campaigners should add to their lead. They’re 9-20 with McBookie.
The two that could go either way are Maribor v Hapoel Beer Sheva and Rijeka v Olympiakos and after both scored in each game last week I’m tipping that again.
I'll add some more thoughts on these games after checking latest team news.
Recommended Bets
- Astana v Celtic btts & over 2.5 goals
- Nice v Napoli over 2.5 goals
- Maribor v Hapoel Beer Sheva btts
- Rijeka v Olympiakos btts
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.
Astana DNB EVENS PP
Brown to be carded 5/2 Skybet NAP
Brown won’t get a ban a ban if he gets another booking so fill yer boots wi this yin
Sent you an email about your Ladbrokes entry. Great line but not this week’s winner.
Will Celtic back off to admire the advantage resulting in an under ???
Celtic are playing a full-strength side and won’t back off.
Result depends on Astana’s attitude – have they chucked or are they playing for pride?
Reaction to their 5-0 by fans has been scathing so they’ll want a result.
For me Celtic will try to keep it right early on and try to hit on the break.
Can see a 1-1 draw or maybe 2-1 Astana.