Champions League : Celtic - Benfica

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Champions League : Celtic - Benfica Champions League Uefa, International	19/09/2012 20:45	full time result	Benfica Win	2.15	Bet at Paddy Power
Betting prediction was written by Anton

Celtic are going through a poor run of form, dropping points in their past 2 SPL matches, both games they were expected to win comfortably.  Their European form has been a big plus for them so far, winning both home and away in both qualifying rounds.  Firstly a 2-1 and 0-2 victory over HJK then a pair of 2-0 wins over Helsingborg to see them into the group stage.  The opposition is much improved at this level though and there will be no easy games.

Benfica are in strong form domestically, siting top of the league after 3 matches.  They have scored a huge 10 goals in those 3 games and conceded just 2.

1x2 Bets

Despite being the away team Benfica are strong favourites for this tie at 2.15 with Paddy Power.  The draw is 3.6 and a Celtic win 4.1, both with BetVictor.

Celtic had a dominant home record in Europe under previous managers Martin O’Neill and Gordon Strachan, winning huge games against some of Europe’s finest teams including Manchester United, Juventus and AC Milan.  Now however less is expected of the club thanks to a decrease in investment due to the lack of money in the Scottish game.

Asian Handicap

Benfica are favourites with the Asian market with the handicap set at Benfica -0.5 @ 2.1 with Paddy Power and Celtic +0.5 @ 1.88 with bet365.

If you are thinking of backing Benfica then stick to the 1x2 market here as it offers better value.

Total Goals

A tight game is expected with Under 2.5 Goals a favourite at 1.73 with Coral and the Over is 2.22 with Pinnacle.

Celtic have struggled for goals at times this season with only 2 of their last 5 games ending over 2.5 goals.  All 3 of Benfica’s league games so far have been over 2.5.

• Bet now at Paddy Power

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