Celtic will return to the Old Firm grounds in hopes of overcoming a 3-0 deficit layed on them last week in Braga. Last Wednesday's opener in Champion's League 3rd qualifying has nearly put the Bhoys out of contention for a group stage appearance. Celtic Park is traditionally a tough ground to play at, but last year HSV, Arsenal and Dynamo Moscow all came away with wins.
Sporting Braga finished 2nd in Portuguese Liga last year (their best in over a decade) and don't look to be wasting their opportunity at a Champion's League berth. A 26' penalty put Braga in the driver's seat but late minute goals in both the 76' and 88' solidified their aggregate advantage.
Champions League Qualifying: Celtic vs. Sporting Braga
Date: 4 August, 2010 - 20:45 CET
Stadium: Celtic Park - Glasgow
Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
Celtic:
Keeper: Lukasz Zaluska
Defenders: Du-Ri Cha, Jos Hooiveld, Charles Mulgrew, Glenn Loovens
Midfielders: Efrain Juarez, Scott Brown, Sung-Yong Ki, Joseph Ledley
Forwards: Shaun Maloney, Georgios Samaras
Manager: Neil Lennon
Injured: -
Booked: -
Sporting Braga:
Goalkeeper: Mario Felgueiras
Defenders: Alberto Rodriguez, Miguel Garcia, Uwa Echiejile, Andres Madrid
Midfielders: Vandinho, Moises, Leo Salino, Alan
Forwards: :Lima, Paulo Cesar
Manager: Domingos Paciencia
Injured: -
Booked: -
Neil Lennon will try to start an aggressive and physical side in hopes of knocking Braga off balance. Domingos Paciencia should adopt a more defensive approach to protect his lead. Weather will be 17 degrees with a 30% chance of precipitation. Referee Ivan Bebek from Croatia will oversee the match.
Last meeting: 28.07.2010, Sporting Braga - Celtic 3:0
Wins Celtic: 0
Wins Sporting Braga: 1
Draws: 0
Celtic have not gotten the results they want in the past few matches and things should come to a head here. It may be a little too much to say they can overcome a 3 goal deficit, but I see the Bhoys making an impressive start and getting at least a win.
Tip: Celtic to win in the 1x2 market.
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