Man United v Celtic Betting

MAN UTD v CELTIC BETTING – 21st OCTOBER 2008

The third round of 2008-09 Champions’ League fixtures sees an all-British clash in Group E, between Manchester United and Celtic. Get a Free £25 bet on Man United v Celtic when you join either 888sport or Blue Square.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Honours are even between Manchester United and Celtic in Champions’ League encounters. In the 2006-07 competition, United triumphed 3-2 at Old Trafford, while Celtic were victorious 1-0 at Celtic Park.

CURRENT FORM

Manchester Utd
Manchester United have made their customary unhurried start to the domestic season, occupying 8th spot in the Premiership table. United began the defence of their Champions League crown against with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Villareal at Old Trafford. The home side came no closer than a Jonny Evans header that came back off the post. In a poor contest, the visitors created little in the way of chances. However, they nearly escaped with the points. A Franco backheel from a Lopez cross seemed goal bound, until rebounding off the woodwork into the arms of the stranded ‘keeper. Alex Ferguson will need no reminding that on the previous occasion that the Spanish side drew at Old Trafford, United failed to progress from the group stage. United’s subsequent Champions League encounter, a trip to AaB Aalborg of Denmark, was a different story entirely. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring after 22 minutes and Dimitar Berbatov broke his duck with a second-half brace, as the Red Devils swept aside the Danish minnows 3-0.

Celtic
Celtic have made a good start to their domestic season, amassing 19 points from 8 games and topping the Scottish Premier League on goal difference. The only blemish on their domestic record is a 4-2 home defeat by Rangers in the “Old Firm” derby. However, their performances in the Champions’ League leave something to be desired. Their failure to collect 3 points at Celtic Park against AaB Aalborg immediately dented Gordon Strachan’s hopes of leading his team to the last 16. Barry Robson had a 29th minute penalty saved in their 0-0 Champions’ League Group E opener. In a nervy performance, the Scottish champions could not break down the visitors defence and came close to conceding on a number of occasions. Manager Strachan fully realises that his team will now have to make club history by winning a Champions’ League match away from Celtic Park if they are to progress for the third successive season. For their second match, away to Villareal, Celtic’s bold line-up promised a more attacking game than in recent away trips in Europe. However, a brilliant 67th minute free kick from skipper Marcos Senna consigned the Bhoys to yet another away defeat, Villareal triumphing 1-0. Celtic surely need a minor miracle if they are to progress from the group.

KEY PLAYERS

Manchester Utd
Given that the United players are household names with punters, a discussion of their key players seems redundant.

Celtic
Celtic skipper, 26-year-old Stephen “Mick” McManus is a Scottish international who plays at left and centre back. McManus is a product of Celtic’s youth academy and has risen through the ranks to become first team captain. Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry described him as “the last of an ancient breed”, insofar as his no-nonsense defending style is rare in modern football. He is currently Celtic’s longest-serving player with 8 years at the club. Despite Celtic’s poor start, 6ft 4in Greek international striker Georgios Samaras is definitely one to watch. Having spent most of last season on loan at Celtic Park, Samaras signed permanently in July 2008. He has scored 12 times in just 8 appearances in the SPL this season.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester Utd
Paul Scholes suffered knee ligament damage early in the Group E victory over AaB Aalborg and is expected to sit out the forthcoming double-header against Celtic, along with the trip to face Villarreal on 25 November. Wayne Rooney and right-back Rafael both picked up knocks, though neither is serious.

Celtic
Celtic’s vice-captain, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, faces a fitness battle to be ready for the United game. The Dutch international striker limped off after only a minute of the recent win over Hamilton. He may be unable to play for up to a month, having strained an adductor muscle in his groin.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds



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    • Written by Max Hammond · Filed Under Champions League 

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