AEK ATHENS v CELTIC
Tuesday 14th August 2018 – Kickoff: 2100hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League Betting Tips
Another third qualifying round tie in the Champions League that hangs in the balance is between Greek side, AEK Athens and Scottish Premiership title holders, Celtic with further betting tips in the Champions League.
Last week, AEK took a big step towards qualifying for the group stages of this competition after holding Celtic to a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park and they now return to their Olympiako Stadium for this deciding second leg which is sure to be a mouthwatering clash for the neutral.
AEK’s result last week was even more impressive as it was their first competitive match of their new season following a string of pre-season matches which saw them finish off unbeaten in their three matches prior to last week’s first leg in Glasgow.
At Champions League level, AEK haven’t appeared in the competition for some time after a 10-year absence, but since their return they’ve suffered defeats to CSKA Moscow home and away, along with the draw against Celtic.
Despite being held to a 1-1 draw in their own backyard at Celtic Park in last week’s first leg, Celtic will still feel confident that they can get a result in Athens on Tuesday night to progress through to the group stages of the Champions League once again.
However, The Bhuoys come into this important decider on the back of a 1-0 loss away at Hearts in their second match of the new Premiership season, which is not great preparation for this clash.
It’s important to note though that Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, rested a few of his players against Hearts with the likes of Edouard, Forrest, Rogic and Ntcham all starting on the bench, and in the case of the latter, didn’t even get on the pitch.
The Scottish champions now have a job to do in Greece here, and I’m expecting them to take the game to AEK in what should be a blockbuster of a second leg.
My betting tips suggest that we could see both teams score in this decider.
Pick: Both teams to score @ 2.10 bet365 (odds taken at 06:37 GMT, 14 August 2018)
