Champions League Group E - Villarreal vs. Celtic
by Nila Amerova
In perhaps the most straightforward matchup of Champions League Group action Villarreal should come out on top. They are already on top of Primera and they battled to a draw in their opener at the Old Trafford, against the defending titleholders, Manchester United, without some of their best players no less in the line-up. The Spanish side earned a well-deserved point against Man U and now they will try to go one better by beating Celtic on their home patch.
BetUS Champions League Soccer Betting Line:
Match Day 2: 02:45 PM Eastern Time, Tuesday September 30, 2008
Home Team: Villarreal
Spread -1 -120
Money Line -220
Total: 2½ O +115 U -135
Team Total: 2 O -105 U -125
Draw +300
Away Team: Celtic Glasgow
Spread +1 Ev
Money Line +660
Total: 2½ O +115 U -135
Team Total: ½ O -125 U -105
Draw +300
Soccer Betting Verdict:
Villarreal -220 : The club from a small town in Spain has been a consistent feature at the top of the table on the domestic front in the last couple of years. They are enjoying a great domestic season thus far and they have to be satisfied with their performance at the Old Trafford in their Champions League opener. They are a solid team and they are in a good position to go one better.
Celtic +660 – Celtic should be happy for the point they earned in their opening round draw, as poor away form would suggest they would not be so lucky in Spain. They will have to improve quickly to earn at least another point here. They will have to try everything and then some against Villarreal. Celtic has not enjoyed success in away matches in Champions League competition and they only took one point from all of their campaigns.
Soccer Betting Verdict: Despite only gaining one point thus far in Champions League competition, Villarreal is a serious team and wants to challenge for a berth in the knockout stages. They have a chance. Given that they are playing at home, and are successful in domestic competition, I expect they will bring a lot of confidence to the pitch as they host Celtic Glasgow. They are the clear favourites and they should deliver on their odds.
Soccer Free Picks: Villarreal -220 | Under 2.5 goals -135
Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room
