CELTIC are safely through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, but can they leave Group D on a high? Chris Graham (chrisgraham79) takes a look at the odds for us.
Dinamo Zagreb v Celtic | Thursday 18:00 | BT Sport 1
It’s great to see Celtic reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League with a game to spare, but in all honesty it’s been a very weak group.
Celtic’s opening group result was probably their most impressive. Back on September 18th they went to Austria and got a 2-2 draw against group winners Red Bull Salzburg. Since then they’ve limped past Dinamo Zagreb and Astra Giurgiu by the odd goal at Celtic Park, lost to Salzburg at home and drew with Astra in Romania.
If Celtic have been ordinary in this group, then Dinamo Zagreb have been fairly woeful. They kicked off their campaign with a stunning 5-1 home win over Astra, but have then followed that up with four straight defeats. Pitiful stuff.
The irony is, they’ve been in superb form domestically this season. Sitting four points clear at the top of the table and unbeaten this season, they cut an imposing figure in Croatia.
I’m tempted to back them to win this match at 23/20 with Skybet as I just can’t trust Celtic away from home in Europe, but boy that is a skinny price. The last significant away win for Celtic in Europe came over two years ago when they beat Spartak Moscow in their Champions League group. Since then they’ve failed to win away against the likes of Shaktar Karagandy, Elfsborg, Astra Giurgiu, Legia Warsaw and Maribor.
I’m also certain that manger Ronny Delia is still trying to find his way with this Celtic side. They remain unconvincing domestically and he’ll need the two months ahead of him to prepare for the Last 32 tie.
What am I backing though? I can’t back Zagreb at 23/20. Even the draw at 27/10 with Betfair feels fairly average. So, I’m going to dip into the Winning Margin market for the first time on WeLoveBetting and select Zagreb to win by exactly one goal at 11/4. That’s my kind of price.
TOPICS European Football Football Scottish Football Betting TipsBest Bet
Dinamo Zagreb v Celtic – Dinamo Zagreb to win by 1 Goal (11/4 Skybet)
