Celtic’s odds shorten for Champions League progression, but better value lies elsewhere

Celtic’s odds shorten for Champions League progression, but better value lies elsewhere article feature image
Last night Celtic turned in arguably their best performance of the season as they thrashed Anderlecht 3-0 in Belgium to give themselves a fighting chance of qualification to the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The Bhoys' victory on the road has seen the bookies cut the odds on the Glasgow side's progression to the knockout stages of the competition to +600.

But bettors looking at the market moves will still be best advised to steer clear of that bet, given the calibre of opposition in Champions League Group B.

Celtic's win drew them level on points with German champions Bayern Munich, who were beaten 3-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in France on the same night. Goal difference currently has the Bundesliga side ahead and in the second qualification spot.

Celtic travel to Munich on October 17th for a match that could ultimately dictate which of the two sides progress to the next round, but the bookies have Bayern as monumental favorites, with some offering odds as short as -1600 on a home win.

Celtic are as big as +3000 to win in Germany, with a draw also very attractively priced, with odds drifting up to, and beyond, the +1000 mark.

Given the Scots will almost certainly need a positive result of some description in Munich and considering the slim chance of victory in Germany – and the fact there are still four games to play – backing the draw at +1000 seems the smarter play than chancing your arm on +600 on Celtic's progression after six games.

Personally, I just can't see beyond PSG and Bayern occupying those two qualification berths at the end of the group stages.

But if you fancy a gamble on Celtic, bet the draw in Germany rather than group progression. You'll get more bang for your buck.


Follow Simon Head on Twitter @simonhead.


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