Tuesday 15/07/2014, 21:00, Champions League Qualifiers, Reykjavik vs Celtic

Reykjavik vs Celtic Preview

Without Rangers to worry about, Celtic won the Scottish Premier League without breaking a sweat last year. They are now trying to replicate that performance but meanwhile they need to ensure qualification to the Champions League groups. They were lucky to be pit against an opponent from Iceland in the first qualifying round and it is very likely that the Scottish club will secure qualification in the first leg.

Reykjavik vs Celtic Odds

At 10Bet

Reykjavik 8.75, Draw 5.00, Celtic 1.25

Reykjavik vs Celtic Tips

Celtic is not traditionally a good traveling team, with very few points being accumulated on the road over the last decades. In fact, the Scottish side has been so unsuccessful when lacking the support of their fans that they failed to qualify to the elimination round whenever they made the group stage.

Recently, it was rather difficult for them to make it even that far, but this year they are in prime position as winning both legs against Reykjavik is definitely within reach. With the domestic season on break, Celtic has been playing a plethora of friendly games and extended their invincible run to 14 games in a row. Scoring goals has been particularly easy on the road, with the last match ending with a 5-2 victory.

The hosts are fully aware of how difficult this match will be, but Reykjavik players also know that winning on the road at Celtic Park is virtually impossible. Manager Kristinsson will have to take a leap of faith and use two strikers, even though neither Martin nor Finnbogason were particularly effective of late.

Reykjavik have won five games in a row, before suffering a stunning defeat on the road at the last placed Thor. They were held scoreless and the hosts dominated the match from one end to the other, which doesn't bode well for a team trying to win a Champions League qualifier.

Key Facts

• This is the first time the two teams meet in an official game, with Celtic being by far the more experienced squad.
• Midfielder Commons is the player to watch for tonight, as he was the top scorer in the Premier League last season, with 23 goals for Celtic.

Reykjavik vs Celtic Prediction

The hosts are obviously huge underdogs ahead of this match and their chances of advancing to the next stage are remote, but they can't afford to defend the draw. If Reykjavik takes chances upfront, the visitors should have an easy time at scoring two goals or more, therefore the -1.5 spread looks particularly attractive. The odds offered by 10Bet for Celtic to win by two goals or more revolve around even value and the fully cover the risk of such a wager.

Bet: Celtic -1.5 goals @ 1.95 with 10Bet