The third qualifying round of the Champions League has produced some very interesting ties with Celtic vs Rosenborg being one of the most intriguing.
Celtic reached the group stages of the Champions League last season but struggled to make much of an impact, despite dominating their domestic league. Brendan Rodgers will be aware of just how much it means to the club and the fans for Celtic to be playing in the group stages of this competition.
Rosenborg have not been in the group stages of the Champions League for many years and will know they are in for a tough game at Celtic Park.
Celtic Form
Having drawn Linfield in the second qualifying round, Celtic were expected to progress without much trouble. However, problems off the pitch threatened to hinder their chances and although they did not sell any of their tickets for the away leg they won the match 2-0.
Celtic finished off the job at home, winning 4-0 and have a good record when playing Champions League football at Celtic Park.
Celtic have lost only 2 of their last 10 home Champions League games, both of which came in the group stages last season to Barcelona and Borussia Monchengladbach. Celtic have conceded 9 goals across their last 5 home Champions League games, scoring 15 themselves.
Rosenborg Form
Norwegian champions Rosenborg had a difficult tie in the previous round and needed extra-time in the second leg against Dundalk to go through. They drew the first away from home 1-1 but the home leg finished with the same score before Rosenborg found an extra-time winner.
Rosenborg have struggled away from home in the Champions League, winning only 1 of their previous 9 games. They were defeated in 6 of those 9 games, with losses coming against FC Copenhagen, Breidablik and Norrkoping among others. Rosenborg have found keeping teams out difficult and they have conceded in each of their last 6 away Champions League games.
Team News
Celtic will be without striker Leigh Griffiths who is suspended for this match. Moussa Dembele is expected to start up-front but speculation continues to grow about his future at the club. This could see Scott Sinclair pushed into a more central attacking position.
Rosenborg will look to play on the counter-attack with Nicklas Bendtner leading the line. Both Matthias Vilhjalmsson and Pal Helland will be expected to join the striker whenever possible and cause the Celtic defence problems.
Top Betting Tips
Given the form of both teams home and away in the Champions League, Celtic must start this match as favourites and can be backed to win the match at 4/9 with William Hill.
Celtic have scored plenty of goals in recent home Champions League games, with 6 of the last 8 seeing over 2.5 goals scored. Celtic to win and over 2.5 goals is available at 6/5 with Ladbrokes.
Keeping goals out has been a problem for Celtic at home in the Champions League and Rosenborg will be looking for a crucial away goal. Even in victory there is a chance Celtic will concede and Celtic to win and both teams to score is 12/5 with Ladbrokes.