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Managerless locals need a win
Celtic fans believe they have got Anderlecht at exactly the right time, confident of a victory that would bring an end to their miserable away form in this competition. The Belgian champions have endured a nightmare start to the season, and can be found kicking their heels down in seventh place in the First Division A table. Just three wins from their first eight starts means they're already nine points off early leaders Club Brugge.
That poor league form, as well as a hurtful 3-0 loss away to Bayern Munich, was more than the Anderlecht board could handle, those in charge of the Purple and Whites sacking manager Rene Weiler. They got the response they were looking for, Anderlecht picking up three points on Saturday, courtesy of a 2-1 away win over Waasland-Beveren, but it was far from convincing, the performance throwing up more questions than answers.
Only a sublime showing from goalkeeper Frank Boekx earned a win that looked beyond them for much of the afternoon, Waasland-Beveren opening the scoring inside seven minutes. A late smash and grab saw Stanciu and Spajic turn the game on its head, scoring two goals in six minutes.
This will be only the second time in competitive action that Anderlecht have hosted Celtic, the home side getting the points courtesy of a 1-0 result in this competition in 2003. Glen De Boeck was sent off early in that match, but Celtic failed to make their numerical advantage count, eventually falling to an Aruna Dindane goal in the second-half. Clicking no in the both teams to score market again here will net you a market best price 4/6 on the sportsbook.
Bhoys a nice price to heap pressure on hosts
Celtic enjoyed the perfect preparation for this match, and despite losing heavily to PSG in game one of Group B, last season's treble winners continued their dominance of the Scottish game. Brendan Rodgers took his champions to Ibrox on Saturday, slapping down their Old Firm rivals, winning 2-0 in a match they never looked like losing.
Tied at 0-0 going into the break, an inspired performance in the second 45 was enough to see off a determined Rangers side who had plenty of the ball, but rarely threatened. A wonder save from Craig Gordon at the feet of Alfredo Morelos proved the turning point, Rogic and Griffiths scoring at the other end to extend their unbeaten domestic run to 57 games. Judging by that effort, their purple patch will go on and on.
Rodgers reserved special praise for scorer Leigh Griffiths in his post-match media chat, calling the Scotsman exceptional after he netted his 67th league goal for The Hoops. They'll need him to continue that form into Wednesday's tie, but punters will be delighted to see the sportsbook offering a cracking 9/2 on him scoring the first goal of the game, while accumulator backers can try their luck in the anytime scorer market at 17/10.
This match looks to be little more than the first of two legs to decide which team will finish third in the group and extend their European adventure in the Europa League. It may be very early in the competition, but PSG have already flexed their muscles, winning 5-0 in Glasgow without breaking sweat, while Bayern Munich beat Anderlecht 3-0. The battle for third will prove as interesting as the race for top spot.
Plenty to like about the draw
Despite their problems, and their current lack of a manager, Anderlecht have been marked up as favourites to get the desired result on Wednesday. They were poor at the weekend, but did show their fighting spirit to get the points. Another brave effort is needed, not to mention a generous helping of luck on the night, but punters eager to keep the locals close will find 2.16 on the exchange.
A draw wouldn't go as the worst result for Celtic, and if you prefer to take up position on the fence, struggling to part an under-pressure home side and their out of form visitors, then there's plenty to like about the points shared at 3.75. That's the outsider of three in the match betting market, which is surprising, with a Celtic win deemed to be a more likely outcome. Celtic to get a rare away win in the Champions League is currently 3.60.
Both managers to keep things tight
The last meeting of Anderlecht and Celtic came in November 2003, Henrik Larsson scoring first in a 3-1 Celtic win. An entertaining match is expected again here, but another high scoring encounter is doubtful. Both sides boast talent going forward, but we'd be surprised to see Brendan Rodgers gamble, throw down the gauntlet and attack. The boss is well aware of his side's frailties at this level, and will prefer to set-up defensively.
With the home support nervy, Anderlecht will know the value of keeping things tight themselves. Backing under 2.5 in the total goals market looks a shrewd investment, and the 2.12 is better than I expected. That'll hold its own in your midweek multiples, with neither side managing a goal when last seen at this level.
Recommended Bets
Under 2.5 goals @ 2.12
Draw @ 3.75
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