Champions League
2008-11-05 - Celtic vs Manchester Utd
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
CELTIC
Celtic will need the confidence that their formidable home record in the competition might provide, as the Bhoys have lost just one of their last eleven UEFA Champions League games in Glasgow's east end – a 3-2 defeat by FC Barcelona in last season's first knockout round.
Indeed Barcelona, who also won 3-1 at Celtic Park in 2004/05, are the only visiting team to have beaten the Bhoys on their own turf, where 18 previous matches have finished in 12 home wins and 4 further draws.
Celtic have a strong home record against English oppositon, having recorded four wins, two draws and one defeat in seven previous matches, but with significant injury concerns tonight it's hard to see where the goals are coming from.
MANCHESTER UNITED
United will travel full of confidence given their unbeaten away record in the competition now stretches back seven matches, although it has to be noted that there are 3 draws in that total.
United are in pole position with seven points, and the Red Devils can qualify with a draw as long as Aab Aalborg do not upset Villarreal in the other group game.
TEAM NEWS
Celtic News :
Celtic will again be without strike trio Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Chris Killen.
The Scottish side are also missing Glenn Loovens and Marc Crosas.
Celtic Squad :
Boruc, Hinkel, Naylor, Caldwell, McManus, Wilson, Maloney, McGeady, Scott Brown, Hartley, Robson, Donati, McDonald, McCourt, Sheridan, Mark Brown, Nakamura, O'Dea, Caddis.
Manchester United News :
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster looks set to make his Champions League debut as Edwin van der Sar has been rested for Wednesday's trip to Celtic.
Rafael Da Silva is set to deputise at right-back as Wes Brown still has an ankle injury and Gary Neville is also missing from the squad.
Manchester United Squad :
Kuszczak, Foster, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Rafael, Evans, Possebon, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Ronaldo, Gibson, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney.
HEAD TO HEAD
Celtic claimed a memorable 1-0 victory when United made their first visit to Celtic Park two years ago – a result that helped the Scots reach the UEFA Champions League first knockout round for the first time.
Manchester United have won both games in Old Trafford winning 3-2 in 2006 and a much more comprehensive 3-0 win a fortnight ago.
THE VERDICT
The home advantage factor is never more strongly emphasised than at Celtic Park, where the Scots are almost unbeatable - in stark contrast to their form on the road.
This time though they face an immovable object in Manchester United, who are also very hard to beat anywhere, and as defending champions they'll fiercely defend that record.
So if you have two teams that "can't lose" you have to look very closely at the draw here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Celtic 0-0 Manchester United
