CELTIC bid to take a step closer to the Champions League group stage on Wednesday when they host Ferencvaros at an empty Parkhead.
Neil Lennon's men swatted aside KR Reykjavik 6-0 in the first qualifying round, but the Hungarian champions will present a tougher challenge.
Just how difficult they will be is a tricky one to gauge. Ferencvaros have won the last two domestic titles, finishing 13 points clear when last season ended in June, but have not reached the Champions League group stage since the 1995-96 campaign.
They defeated Djurgarden of Sweden 2-0 at home to set up the Celtic Park encounter, and a year ago saw off nifty Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets before being thumped by Dinamo Zagreb in the third qualifying round.
They went on to finish third, a point behind Ludogorets, in a fairly strong Europa League group, so are by no means whipping boys.
While the absence of fans at Celtic's famously atmospheric stadium will help the Hungarians, they are hampered by a lack of match practice, having played just twice since June.
Celtic, meanwhile, have four matches under their belts – it should have been four, but for Boli Bolingoli's ill-advised trip to Spain – and should have the quality to get the job done.
Lennon's men come into the tie on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 weekend win at Dundee United, in which they dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge until sub Albian Ajeti's late breakthrough.
How do the bookies view it?
Celtic are big favourites to progress, with Betway offering a best price of 19-40 on the Scottish side to win in 90 minutes in the one-off tie, while the hosts are 2-9 at William Hill to qualify.
Ferncavaros are 13-2 at BetVictor for victory – and 21-5 at Betfair to qualify – while a 90-minute stalemate is 4-1 at Paddy Power.
Betting angles
Having been stunned by unfancied Romanians Cluj last season in the third qualifying round, Celtic know better than to underestimate Eastern European opposition.
They will require patience and a professional performance to overcome a Ferencvaros side managed by former Ukraine and Spurs striker Serhiy Rebrov.
Don't expect an avalanche of goals, or a big margin of defeat, with both sides still finding their feet so early in the season.
On that basis, a Celtic win and under 4.5 goals looks a solid option at 5-6 with Betway.
Simlarly to Tannadice on Saturday, it could be the second half before Celtic's pressure pays off, so a half-time draw and Celtic full-time wager is worth a small stake at 10-3 with Unibet.
Hoops striker Odsonne Edouard – four goals from four appearances this season – is a man for the big occasion and will shoulder the striking burden.
Back the talented French striker at 10-11 with Betfair to get on the scoresheet.
This UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Ferencvaros will be played on Aug 26, 2020 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs Ferencvaros prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
