Shakhter Karagandy v Celtic predictions and betting tips

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Shakhter Karagandy v Celtic predictions and betting tips Champions League Uefa, International	20/08/2013 17:00	asian handicap	Shakhter Karagandy +0.5	1.75	Bet at B
Betting prediction was written by Dan Adair

SHAKHTER KARAGANDY – CELTIC PREDICTIONS AND BETTING TIPS

Shakhter Karagandy of Kazakhstan has finally come to the fore in their country. After playing in the top flight since its inception in 1992 they finally reached the top in 2011, going on to win back to back titles. This year though they are handily placed in 3^rd of the Championship round after 23 games. In Europe they have hardy featured with 6 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats. This year they beat BATE Borisov in both legs before dispatching Skenderbau of Albania 5-2 on aggregate (winning 3-0 at home before a 3-2 away loss). Zhangylyshbay and Lunin will sit out for the home side here.

Celtic have opened up with 2 straightforward wins but they have been playing within themselves as the focus is on Champions League qualificiation. They have played 4 Champions League ties already, battering Cliftonville (Northern Ireland) 5-0 on aggregate with 2 wins and then impressively beating Elfsborg in two discliplined performances. 1-0 at home and then 0-0 in Sweden. For Celtic Derek Boerrigter sits out. Amido Balde, Anthony Stokes and Tom Rogic were all doubts, but they start on the bench here.

SHAKHTER KARAGANDY - CELTIC: RUN OF PLAY

These sides have never met, indeed Shakhter have never met a side as high pedigree as Celtic but should not be overawed. A win in each leg over a strong BATE Borisov should serve notice to Celtic. One important point here is the game in being played in Aktobe, a massive 600 miles away! To give you an example of the difference it would be like Celtic playing a home game in France! Such is the huge size of the country this is the nearest UEFA standard ground that can host the game.

SHAKHTER KARAGANDY - CELTIC PREDICTIONS AND BETTING TIPS: 1X2

A strong move on Celtic here but I am not overly convinced. Celtic have a diabolical record in away games in Europe, only 3 wins in 36 ties over the years. This game will be played thousands of miles away across several time zones I do not think Celtic will be prepared at all. Also the playing quality in this nation has improved immensely with the influx of foreign talent boosting the Kazakh talent. I think Celtic will get the job done at Celtic Park but take a Draw here at 3.40 Willhill.

SHAKHTER KARAGANDY – CELTIC PREDICTIONS AND BETTING TIPS: ASIAN HANDICAP

I take Shakhter Karagandy +0.5 (1.75) is my selection on Asian Handicap. Im sure Celtic are thinking its going to be almost a walkover but they should take heed of BATE Borisov. A team about the level of Celtic who were beaten in both legs. The draw and Shakhter are preferred over Celtic.

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