CELTIC couldn't have picked a bigger game for their Champions League return as they welcome European champions Real Madrid to Parkhead in a box-office Group F opener.
The Hoops are back in the group stage for the first time in five years and fans are dreaming of reaching the last 16 after landing in a group that also features RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Confidence levels have soared further after Saturday's 4-0 demolition of Rangers at Celtic Park, with two bets landing for our man Mark after he tipped the Hoops for a few goals.
That made it seven successive victories for Ange Postecoglou's men but they now face a major step up in class as Carlo Ancelotti's Galacticos come to Glasgow.
Real Madrid have also made a perfect start to the new season, with a win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Super Cup followed by four successive victories in La Liga.
They warmed up for the Euro opener with a 2-1 triumph over Real Betis and will be confident of starting the defence of their Champions League crown with another win at Parkhead.
How the bookies view it
Despite Celtic's impressive domestic form, the bookies think Real Madrid will be too strong for them. The La Liga giants are a best 5/8 with SBK while Postecoglou's side are as big as 47/10 with the same firm. The stalemate pays a best 18/5 with Unibet.
Head to head
It's a surprise these sides have faced off just once before, given their rich European histories. That clash came in the 1979/80 European Cup with Celtic winning 2-0 in Glasgow only for Real Madrid to turn it around back at the Bernabeu with a 3-0 triumph.
Players to watch
Celtic are sweating on the fitness of Kyogo Furuhashi after the Japanese star picked up a shoulder injury in the first minute of the Old Firm derby. I'd be surprised if he recovers in time so Giorgos Giakoumakis should start up front and the Greek is 3/1 with SBK for anytime scorer.
Ancelotti has hinted his own star striker, Karim Benzema, might be rested so I'm steering clear of him for a Real Madrid scorer. Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior has been on fire so far this season, netting in his last three games, so looks good value for a goal here at 13/8 with SBK.
Anything else catch the eye?
Postecoglou has vowed not to ditch his attacking principles, even against Europe's elite, so it bodes well for an open game. BTTS has come up in Real Madrid's last four games so that's why it's just 13/17 at SBK for this one. Under 2.5 goals is also poor value at 4/6 with QuinnBet but the odds increase to 32/19 at SBK for over 3.5 strikes.
Celtic have been flying out the traps of late, scoring two or more first-half goals in their last three matches. That makes over 1.5 first-half goals worth a punt here at 8/5 with SportNation while Celtic are a tempting 13/8 at Bet365 to score in the opening 45 minutes.
Both teams have been winning a lot of corners this season so I like the 11/10 on offer at Bet365 for over 10 match corners. There could be a lot of turnovers if Real Madrid press high and that leaves Celtic players at risk of picking up cards. Moritz Jenz looks set to start at the back with Carl Starfelt a doubt and the stopper is 9/2 with Bet365 for a card.
This UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Real Madrid will be played on Sep 6, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs Real Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
