Spartak Moscow - Celtic Betting Preview: Goals expected when the Hoops visit Russia

Celtic ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners over Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday afternoon as Neil Lennons men moved to the top of the Scottish Premier League table, but the former Northern Ireland international knows that his side will face a much stiffer task when they travel to Russia to face Spartak Moscow on Tuesday night.

The Hoops have an abysmal record in the Champions League group stages, having collected just a solitary point from their 18 previous away games and, with such a poor run of form behind them in the competition, it is little surprise to see the Scottish champions available at a chunky 29/5 (6.80) with PanBet to deliver the goods.

Spartak Moscow, under the stewardship of Unai Emery, sit fifth in the Russian Premier League table but are just four points from the summit a nd, remarkably, have played no fewer than seven of their 10 league games so far away from their home stadium.

Spartaks home record this season is impeccable and the Russians were unfortunate to be denied by the magic of Lionel Messi when they faced Barcelona at Camp Nou last month so are sure to come into this match brimming with confidence, and are subsequently chalked up as warm favourites at 11/20 (1.55) with PanBet. The same firm go 33/10 (4.30) that the match ends in a draw.

The Moscow side have certainly found their scoring touch, netting 12 goals in their last five matches and will be desperate to claim all three points after slipping to defeat against Barcelona in the group stages.

Spartak, though, have been plagued by defensive fragility this term and have conc eded in each of their last 12 matches so the Hoops will be hopeful of finding the net in Moscow.

With both sides looking vulnerable in defence, the 89/100 (1.89) quote from PanBet for three or more goals to be scored here certainly carries plenty of appeal and should be backed accordingly.

Spartaks solid home form suggests that they should have the edge here and those seeking bigger prices may be tempted by the 69/10 (7.90) quote from PanBet for the home side to edge out the visitors with a 2-1 victory.


Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter

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