Celtic Begins Champions League Qualifiers with Match Against Linfield
Published July 14, 2017 by Florin P
Scottish champions travel to Belfast for the first match in the qualifying campaign for the Champions League (5:00 p.m UK Time).
Celtic has won the Scottish championship without breaking a sweat and is now on track for another Champions League berth. They have to play qualifiers, but the first match is hardly difficult for a team that has a lot of experience and the highest European level. They travel to Belfast for a game against local champions Linfield and will be aiming for all three points on the road.
No Injury Concerns for Celtic
The visitors had plenty of time to recuperate strength and make the most of the season break. The campaign of friendly games was uneventful, with back-to-back victories and no injuries picked up. Under these circumstances, Celtic had no reason to wait for the second light and will try to solve the matter of qualification in Belfast.
This is the first time they take on Linfield, but have an impressive track record in the first qualifying rounds against weaker opponents. Celtic is going through a stage of reconstruction, as Rangers has returned to the Scottish Premier League. The club is more willing to invest in quality strikers, as they will be needed to win another championship. Making the Champions League groups is a key objective.
Tremendous Pressure on Linfield Players
Linfield has won 14 back-to-back games before Julie in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers. This is by far the toughest opponent they have faced for a long time and it won’t be easy to prevail even at home. The objective is to avoid defeat and hope that they score on the road.
Bet365 sports offers better than average odds on Celtic to win on the road, but even so they are small given the difference between the two teams. Punters can increase their profits by betting on the visitors to win by at least two goals at odds of 3/5.
