Celtic v Valencia Betting Tips – Europa League, 14th February 8.00pm
Celtic have to make the most of home advantage in this tie as they face up to Spanish side Valencia. The Hoops lost against them in the 2001/02 UEFA Cup. Can the Scottish champions reverse those fortunes? Read our predictions for Celtic v Valencia.
Celtic v Valencia Betting Odds*
Valencia 21/20
Draw 12/5
Celtic 5/2
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on February 11th, 2019 at 11:18 p.m.)
Celtic v Valencia Preview
It was a real struggle for Celtic to get through to the round of 32 in this season’s UEFA Europa League. It was only because of a helping hand from elsewhere that they actually did in the end. The Hoops finished second in their group to Salzburg who Celtic lost at home against in their final group stage match. Celtic have only met Valencia once before which was in the 2001/02 UEFA Cup which Celtic lost on penalties at home in.
Celtic have collected just seven wins in their 30 UEFA matches against Spanish opponents. Their home record against Spanish sides is W7 D2 L6. However, they have lost five of their last eight such matches. There is Celtic’s third appearance at this stage and only the second time from five attempts they have gotten out of the group stage. Their matchday six loss against Salzburg ended a seven-match European unbeaten home run that Celtic were on.
Key-Facts – Celtic v Valencia
- Celtic have only lost one of their last eight European home games
- Celtic have lost their two previous Rd32 ties in the Europa League
- Valencia are W2 D1 L1 in Scotland
Valencia dropped down from the Champions League this season to end up here. They missed out in their group to Juventus and Manchester United. They did, however, collect four points against the Red Devils to end up with a W2 D2 L2 record in the group. The Spaniards have a perfect record from five previous round of 32 ties in the competition.
They are undefeated in their last seven fixtures at this stage of the competition and not only that, they kept a clean sheet in all of those as well. But Valencia have actually won just two of their last eleven away games in Europe, losing seven of those. Incidentally, Valencia have drawn more league games in La Liga (13) than any other team.
Celtic v Valencia Predictions
Draw: Tough game for the hosts who are underdogs for this tie. Valencia are a team who make themselves hard to beat as opposed to posing a big threat. We are going to back the Spaniards to earn a draw at Celtic Park which they will probably be happy enough with. The draw at 12/5 in the match outright appeals* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on February 11th, 2019 at 11:18 p.m.)
