Wednesday, 19:45
Live on BT Sport
Areola to defend against complacency
PSG's cash-rich stars waltzed to a stunning 5-0 win over Celtic in the reverse of this fixture back in September, but the Parisians are keen to guard against complacency when hosting Brendan Rodgers' Scottish champions on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes. Popular goalkeeper Alphonse Areola told members of the press this week that an away win would send shockwaves around world football, but the Frenchman insists the team are on guard to squash any hopes of revenge.
The 24-year-old was little more than a spectator at Parkhead back in the summer, enjoying a quiet night as opposite number Craig Gordon was busy picking the ball out of his own net, Neymar, Mbappe, Cavani (twice) and a Lustig own-goal getting them off to a perfect start. Since that night, PSG have stretched their group record to four wins from four, 12 points on the board, 17 goals scored and none conceded. If the free-spending locals can score five away from home, what can they do in front of their own fans? Those loyal to the Celtic cause shudder to think.
Unai Emery's troops kept warm for this tie with an eye-catching 4-1 win over Nantes at this venue on Saturday, Cavani again making headlines with a double, Di Maria and Pastore rounding off the show. The sportsbook has 30-year-old hot-shot Edinson Cavani as 9/5 favourite to score first, ahead of Neymar at 23/10. Such is the talent in the PSG attack, Cavani is nailed on to get a goal anytime at 1/5, Neymar 3/10, that proves just how traders expect the evening to go.
Celtic powerless to stop their hosts
Opinions were split among the Celtic support following that mauling at home vs PSG. Some thought the board should've dug deep to bring in a big-name centre back, capable of holding his own against the might of the PSG attack, others threw up their hands and said what can we do? Spend £10m on a defender and you're still going to lose by a few goals, be out of the Champions League by Christmas and have a hefty wage bill to pay every month. They have a point, sadly, the days of famous giant killings in Europe look to be number. Money buys happiness in this game.
So, Celtic returned to their bread and butter, winning domestic matches, setting records in the process. A 4-0 cheer away to St Johnstone saw The Hoops break their own 100-year-old British record of 62 games without defeat. Fabulous, it's what the club is all about, and why Brendan Rodgers moved north, but they are not without their critics, large sections of the media calling it a meaningless achievement given the level of opposition. They can't do right for doing wrong at the minute, it would appear.
Win in Paris, or even push the locals hard, and the doubters will be forced to concede ground. Celtic are out of it in terms of qualifying for the next round of this competition, but they go into the contest three ahead of Anderlecht, a straight shoot-out with the Belgians next time for a place in the Europa League. Lee Griffiths scored the only goal of the game in a weekend win over Ross County, the Scot climbing off the bench to make the difference.
Home win a foregone conclusion, but there is value
There's no surprises in the match betting prices on the sportsbook for this one, the PSG a foregone conclusion at 1/12, users of the exchange able to nibble off a little more, 1.11 currently doing the rounds. That pushes average punters away from an interest on the home win, even in stacked accas, but there's plenty away from the 1-X-2 to keep us involved in this one. No in the both teams to score market is yours at even money, PSG -3 a top price 15/8, both sportsbook.
Celtic fans would see a draw here almost as good as a win. They got a share at the Etihad last season, and taking something from PSG would go down as further evidence that they are moving in the right direction at this level. It's unlikely though, 14.00 about the share, while a Celtic win is there for dyed-in-wool fans only, away day 28.00. If Rodgers is able to mastermind one of the biggest upsets of the sporting year, that's certainly a nice price to celebrate with.
Celtic's makeshift defence will be exposed
We don't have to dig too deep into the stats to know this should be a high-scoring match. Celtic will aim to get out with a bit of self-respect, Rodgers looking to pack the defence and starve the home attack of space in and around the box. Nothing knew, Emery has to deal with similar tactics most weekends. There's holes in The Bhoys' makeshift backline, and they'll be torn apart.
If you're playing midweek multiples, over 3.5 goals at 8/15 is an obvious choice, against under 3.5 goals at 6/4. PSG have played two games this month, already rattling in nine goals. In their last three starts in all competitions at the Parc des Princes, they've hit the net a dozen times. Enough said.
Recommended Bets
No both teams to score @ evens (sportsbook)
PSG -3 handicap @ 15/8 (sportsbook)
0 nhận xét Blogger 0 Facebook
Post a Comment