Celtic know the full extent of their path into the Champions League group stages and it is one that they are more than capable of successfully conquering. They take on AEK Athens over two legs at this stage and will play the winner of Malmo vs Vidi in the final round. Just four games stand between the Scottish side and a group stage place, something which has been their aim since the start.

In their European ties so far, Brendan Rodgers has had his team playing some very good football and looking defensively tight away from home. That will have to continue going forward, but has to give Celtic fans huge optimism going into the games.

A home leg to start of the tie against AEK Athens will give Celtic the chance to build a lead and then defend it away from home, just like we saw them do against Rosenborg. This certainly suits Celtic’s style of play, and allows them to put on a real show in front of their home fans at Celtic Park. They won their first leg against Rosenborg 3-1 to give them a two goal lead to defend in Norway, something similar to take to Greece will be their aim on Wednesday evening.

For AEK Athens, the first leg will all be about keeping things tight and damage limitation. They would love to head home with a draw from the first game, a win is a little unrealistic for them to aim for. However, I don’t think they would mind too much if they lost the game by a single goal, knowing just one home goal would get them back in the tie next week. They are sure to play a defensive game because of this, and it will be up to Celtic to break them down and score goals in the first 90 minutes.

Celtic vs AEK Athens Betting Tip

Celtic should be able to spend the full 90 minutes in the first leg on the front foot and playing attacking football. The crowd will be behind them and appreciate this, just like when they played Rosenborg in a similar situation two weeks ago. They need to take a lead to Greece with them, the more goals they score the easier that trip will be for them.

The aim will be to take at least a two goal lead and that is something I think they will be able to get in the game. Athens wouldn’t mind too much going home with a one goal deficit, but two goals would be a real blow to their chances and more than likely swing the tie towards Celtic.

Celtic have the ability to eventually break down the Greeks, and I’m backing them to do exactly that and win this game. Expect to see Celtic have a lot of the ball and many chances, and I believe they will eventually put some of these away.

Celtic need to take a lead to Greece with them, and I’m going to back them to do exactly that by winning the first leg on Wednesday.

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