Wednesday, 19:45
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The race is on for second
We're arrived at the halfway point of this season's Champions League group stage, and at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening Bayern Munich are expected to bank three points when hosting Celtic. A home win would surely cement their progress, while ending any slim hopes The Bhoys have of playing knockout football. The Germans may be betting favourites, but these sides go into round three locked on three points, both showing one win and one defeat.
Then manager Carlo Ancelotti guided his side to an opening night win over Anderlecht, strolling to a 3-0 cheer at this venue, thanks to goals from Lewandowski, Alcantara and Kimmich. That result was to be expected, as was their defeat at the hands of PSG last time, although fans hoped they'd be a bit more competitive in France, losing 3-0. In a real show of strength from the free-spending Group B leaders, Alves, Cavani and Neymar did the business.
Not a lot can be taken from FCB's Champions League form so far, other than the fact they kept a clean-sheet when last at home. Now managed by Jupp Heynckes they did just that at the Allianz again on Saturday on league duty, smashing Bundesliga rivals Freiburg 5-0. Schuster forced the ball into his own net on eight minutes and that opened the floodgates. 2-0 at half-time, the 27-time German champions opened-up in the second period. Perfect preparation for Celtic's visit.
Bhoys aim to build on rare away win
Celtic were also on the winning side at the weekend, but were far less convincing. Brendan Rodgers fielded a weakened side against lowly Dundee at Parkhead in preparation for Wednesday, giving a number of youth and fringe players their chance to impress. The champions continued their stunning unbeaten domestic run, edging to a 1-0 cheer. Highly-rated French youngster Olivier Ntcham scored the decider on the hour, firing in from range.
The Hoops were incredible last term, completing a domestic treble, going through the season unbeaten. They were streets ahead of the competition and, worrying for Rangers, Aberdeen and the rest of Scottish football, the early exchanges would suggest they're stronger again this time. That theory was backed up by a 3-0 away win over Anderlecht last month. Leigh Griffiths delighted the travelling support, scoring on 38 minutes, before Roberts and Sinclair added a bit of sparkle.
Victory in Belgium ended a miserable run of 16 European group games without a win for the Scots, but fans will now have a taste for it. Easier said than done, and Rodgers spoke to the press this week about the size of the task facing his men, saying he believes Munich are a top-class outfit. Their chances are boosted, however, by the return of captain Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong and Jozo Simunovic. Brown missed Scotland's double-header against Slovakia and Slovenia, and sat out Saturday's win over Dundee. There's no doubt Celtic are stronger with him in the team.
Betting doesn't surprise
It'll come as no surprise whatsoever to see Bayern Munich marked up as favourites for the points at home. The locals are as tight as 1/10 through the sportsbook, which we have to admit is understandable. Slightly more to work with on the exchange, where those who like to keep it simple can get 1.13. After better still? The Bavarians have won three of their last four home matches in all competitions without conceding. Click no in the both teams to score market at 19/20 (sportsbook).
Celtic have never beaten Wednesday's opponents, the pair meeting only twice before, home and away in this competition back in 2003. This match is expected to fall into line, an away day win written off at 30/1, market best price on the sportsbook, or 27.00 the exchange. Celtic fans would take a draw, and punters can back an unlikely share at 12.00.
Clues point to three or more goals
We got three goals in the only other meeting of these sides in Munich, a double from Roy Makaay overriding an earlier Alan Thompson strike. Each of Bayern's previous two Champions League outings have also produced three goals in total, 3-0 win over Anderlecht and that 3-0 defeat to PSG.
Celtic leaked 5-0 at home to PSG in week one, but dusted themselves down to beat Anderlecht at the end of September, 3-0 the score popping up again. Keeping that in mind, a bet on this match giving over 2.5 goals seems the smart play at 1/4 (sportsbook). If you'd prefer to go against the grain, there's plenty to like about the 3.95 under 2.5.
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