Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Bet365
Scottish champions Celtic face a daunting trip to Norway where they will lock horns with local powerhouse Rosenborg in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. A goalless stalemate from the first leg leaves every option still open and we should expect to see a highly-eventful match.
Rosenborg
With half of the Eliteserien season already behind them, Rosenborg prepare to welcome Celtic in full competition form, which should come as a huge warning sign for the Scottish champions who are in the middle of their preseason. Rosenborg are leading the way in domestic championship with a comfortable five-point cushion in front of second-placed Sarpsborg and can fully focus on a huge Champions League challenge lying ahead. Celtic are a class above their previous Champions League rivals Dundalk and Kare Ingebrigtsen’s men will need to demonstrate great improvement if they are to see off the more lucrative opponents. A hard-fought draw in Glasgow offers great hope to Norway’s proudest who missed a good load of opportunities to score at Celtic park. The inability to score might come back to haunt them in the return leg. Rosenborg did manage to score ten goals in last three home matches, however, which comes as a huge encouragement ahead of Celtic’s visit.
Team News
Experienced Norway international defender Tore Reginiussen failed to recover from a thigh injury in time for the return leg.
The hosts will also be without Andre Helland who is suffering from a groin injury, whereas the availability of midfielder magnus Stramnestro is under doubt due to a knee issue.
Celtic
The goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier is much less than what Celtic bargained for. The Scottish champions were held by Kare Ingebrigsten’s side and will have the absence of key man Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffits to blame for a below-par display. Brendan Rodgers’ men continue preparation for the new season and will not let their goalless stalemate discourage them ahead of the crucial trip to Norway. Celtic warmed up for the Rosenborg match with a compelling 5-0 friendly victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this weekend. James Forrest starred against the Black Cats, but it was Callum McGregor who shined through with a hat-trick for the Hoops. McGregor will be hoping to extend his fine form in the Champions League qualifier as Brendan Rodgers prepares to ring a couple of changes to his team in Norway. Midfielders Tom Rogic and Scott Sinclair were both used upfront in the first match as Brendan Rodgers did not want to go full strength into attack to cover for Dembele and Grihhiths, so a change in formation could be seen from former Liverpool boss.
Team News
Moussa Dembele’s muscle injury will keep him out of the team for the return leg as well, while Belgium defender Dedryck Boyata is also unavailable for selection.
Lee Griffiths is likely to come back to action after missing out on the first leg, whereas Erik Sviatchenko’s availability is yet to be determined.
Key Factors to Consider
- Rosenborg scored 10 goals in last 3 home matches
- Norway giants lost only one of their last 15 games on home soil
- Celtic kept a clean sheet in their last three matches
- Scottish champions have gone through the entire season unbeaten on the road
- Brendan Rodgers will be without key man Moussa Dembele
Conclusion
Rosenborg are welcoming Celtic in full form with half of the domestic season already under their belt. The home advantage could turn out to be a key moment in Rosenborg’s efforts to eliminate the Scottish rivals, but Brendar Rodgers’ men will not settle for anything less than a victory in order to get closer to the Champions League match. They travel to Norway to prove they are no pushovers despite the fact key man Moussa Dembele is out of contention.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Bet365
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
