Wednesday 28th September 2016 Kickoff: 1945hrs
Celtic v Manchester City
Football – Europe – Champions League
The Champions League continues on Wednesday with a Battle of Britain at Celtic Park. The Scottish champions suffered a sobering 7-0 defeat away to Barcelona on match day one whilst Manchester City were far too good for German cracks Borussia Moenchengladbach at home – despite a delay of 24 hours because of bad weather. The two take each other for the first ever time in European competition on Wednesday in front of what will be a special atmosphere on another Celtic Park European night.
There’s no doubt that Celtic faced a huge uphill task when the draw was made at the end of August having been paired in the group of death. Just reaching the group stages was seen as an achievement for the Hoops having missed out on the last two seasons, particularly as they started their qualifying campaign back in the middle of July. That was a distant memory a fortnight ago in the Nou Camp, however, as Leo Messi and company reminded Celtic of just how big a step up it is from the Scottish Premiership to this level. Bearing in mind Brendan Rodgers’ men had just defeated their arch rivals Rangers 5-1 the weekend before, to be on the other end of a heavy defeat would have brought them right back down to earth. Things do not get much easier for them this round as they take on Manchester City team who are flying in the English Premier League. Nevertheless, this campaign will be seen as a learning curve for a young Celtic team who will relish playing in the big games, on the big occasions. Confidence should be high as well considering they hammered Kilmarnock 6-1 in the league on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Pep Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City had long been mooted and the club’s supporters were rightly excited at the prospect of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach leading their team. That feel has been well placed with City winning their first 10 matches under the Spaniard. The style in which they have been victorious also has to be admired as Man City have already scored 30 goals during that spell, demonstrating just how much firepower they possess. Their biggest test to date has been the Manchester derby where they ran out convincing 2-1 winners at Old Trafford and sent out a warning to the other teams in the league that they are vastly improved from the team that limped into fourth place last season under the departing Manuel Pellegrini. Following violent thunderstorms, City’s opening Champions League match had to be postponed until the following day but it had little impact on their performance as they brushed aside ‘Gladbach to get their campaign off to the perfect start. Along with Barca, the English club are hot favourites to progress from group C, and on the evidence we have seen so far that looks more than likely to happen.
Due to Leigh Griffiths recent injury, summer signing Moussa Dembele has been given an opportunity to lead the line for Celtic over the last month and he has certainly grasped the chance with both hands. A hat-trick against Rangers earlier in the month was followed with another three goals since, illustrating how much a talent the 20 year old Frenchman is. The only disappointment for him was missing a penalty against Barcelona when the score was 1-0. It would be some leap of faith to suggest that if he had scored it that Celtic would have managed to get a result from the game but it would it was a chance they could not afford to pass up and set the tone for the rest of the evening. Although Griffiths returned to action as a substitute at the weekend, it’s expected that Dembele will get another chance up top as he bids to add to the two goals he scored in qualifying.
Another striker bang in form is City’s Sergio Aguero who has started this season on fire. His star quality has been apparent for a long time but the arrival of Guardiola seems to have already had an impact on the contribution of the little Argentinean. A hat tricks against Moenchengladbach in the previous game are three of his 11 goals thus far and providing he is able to stay fit it appears ominous for any opposition defenders. Bearing in mind he has also served a three game ban this term, his scoring record is ridiculous. Of course, there is no lack of service with Raheem Sterling, David Silva, Nolito and Kevin de Bruyne providing the ammunition. Unfortunately for City, the last named of that quarter will be missing on Wednesday due to injury.
Celtic v Manchester City Betting Tips
European nights at Celtic Park are amongst the best this competition has to offer and tomorrow night should be no different. The Scottish club have held their own against the best the continent has to offer but they will be severely tested with the visit of City who look imperious at this point in time. It does not appear that the heavy defeat to Barcelona has left any lasting marks on Rodgers’ men going by their domestic performances but they will hope to be more competitive at home, even though they are coming up against another excellent team who score from all over the park. City will be targeting this game for a win as they look to challenge Barcelona for top spot in the group.
Celtic’s real strength is going forward as they have proven with their excellent domestic scoring record, and they really should have been on the score sheet against Barca as well, courtesy of Dembele’s penalty. City have yet to concede in the competition thus far but they have only kept one clean sheet other than that so there is a weakness there if the home team can exploit it. Whilst I think the visitors will have too much quality overall for their opponents, and class will tell, they are not invincible and the likes of Dembele and Scott Sinclair have enough about them to cause problems. Both teams to score has been a winner in five of Celtic’s seven home games this season and is the way to go here.
Both teams to score 4/5 @ Bwin
