Arsenal vs Celtic The Return Leg

It seems Celtic have little chance of doing anything other than turning up at The Emirates Stadium tomorrow night (Wednesday, August 26, 2009) and going through the motions to keep the score respectable. Arsenal need another professional display to match their quality performances so far this season to proceed into the group stages of the competition. Celtic, already trailing 2-0 from the first leg of the Champions League qualifier, really have nothing to lose but to go out and play football and this is why this tie remains a potential hazard for the men from North London.

An early goal from Arsenal is bound to ease nerves and allow Wenger’s team to display the type of football that has won them many plaudits so far this season. However, it is fair to say that Arsenal’s defence really hasn’t been tested under any real pressure. Celtic scurried and hurried against Arsenal but were truthfully toothless in attack during the first-leg.

Many, North of the Border, have stated that Arsenal’s freaky and lucky goals knocked the stuffing out of the Parkhead side which inturn led to their apathetic display as the game worn on. Or perhaps, much more simply, Arsenal commanded the game last Tuesday and Celtic were always second to the ball.

No matter, Celtic have a clear game-plan for the return leg. Play the football your capable of playing and score a few goals or your out! Having the cushion of dropping into the Europa league is hardly comforting for neither team. The glamour and the big money belongs to the Champions league and that is where both these teams want to be.

It will be very interesting to see how Arsenal react if Celtic claim an early goal, one might cast their mind back to arsenal’s complete and utter capitulation last season to Man U in the CL semi-final. It is one thing being able to play attractive football it is completely something else to show the mental ability to dig in and get the result that is required.

For many this match may be over, for those with an eye for football betting they might know better than to ever concede a Battle of Britain match was over after just one leg.

My Prediction : I think Celtic will give Arsenal an early scare but will eventually draw 1-1 with the Gunners winning the tie 3-1 on aggregrate.

Arsenal vs Celtic Betting Odds

Arsenal	1/3	1/3	1/3	6/17	1/3	1/3	3/10	2/7	1/3	1/3
Draw	4	7/2	4	47/10	4	4	4	15/4	7/2	15/4
Celtic	8	8	8	10	8	8	9	8	15/2	9