FC Midtjylland, Celtic Collide in UCL Qualification
First Leg Ended 1-1, Midtjylland Slight Favorites
The draw for the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League Group Stage will be held on August 26. FC Midtjylland and Celtic aspire to be there, but only one will survive the second qualifying round. Midtjylland accessed the Group Stage for the last time in 2020-21, while Celtic did it in 2017-18.
Celtic had many chances to win the first leg, but the game ended 1-1. Now, Midtjylland will be the host and the slight sports betting favorite to advance. Let’s take a look at the latest news, stats, injury reports and the UCL Odds for Midtjylland vs Celtic. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider!

Game: FC Midtjylland vs Celtic
Location: Arena Herning, Herning, Denmark
Time: Wednesday, July 28, 1:45 p.m. ET
Television: beIN Sports
Live Stream: fuboTV
UEFA Champions League Qualification Betting Lines
Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
FC Midtjylland | pk -135 | +150 | 2½ -105o | |
Celtic | pk +105 | +190 | 2½ -125u | |
Draw | +225 |
Head to Head
Their previous matchup was the first time they met. Overall, Celtic has faced six teams from Denmark with a 7-4-4 record. FC Midtjylland has faced two teams from Scotland with a 0-1-2 record. Both losses were against Rangers.
With the away goal rule abolished, a goalless draw will not be enough for Midtjylland to advance.
“The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose. Now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking. They fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin about the controversial decision.
Why bet on FC Midtjylland?
After playing the last UEFA Champions League Group Stage, FC Midtjylland won’t settle for less. Competitively, they’ve the advantage because Denmark’s Super League began one week ago. The Scottish Premier League begins this weekend.
Midtjylland comes from a 0-1 victory over AaB thanks to a goal from Junior Brumado. Finishing with a clean sheet will boost their confidence for the second leg against Celtic.
“Our three-man defense put in their best display so far and the opposition created next to nothing. Tactically, we were excellent. If we can keep that up against Celtic then we are a really hard team to play against,” said manager Bo Henriksen to the press.
Regarding the first leg, the Danish team was very effective. They scored one goal despite finishing with three shots, only one on target. Evander, Pione Sisto and Paulinho are ready to continue making an impact. The trio is very fast and agile coming from the left side.
The home side will be without Anders Dreyer, who was sent off in the first leg. Their expected lineup is Jonas Lossl; Henrik Dalsgaard, Erik Sviatchenko, Daniel Hoegh, Paulinho; Mikael Anderson, Evander, Raphael Nwadike; Pione Sisto, Junior Brumado, Awer Mabil.
Why Bet on Celtic?
There was a time when Celtic was a protagonist in UEFA competitions. Precisely, that’s one of Ange Postecoglou’s main goals, to return Celtic to continental glory. He took over as their manager over a month ago. Postecoglou has plenty of experience after coaching the Australian National team from 2013 to 2017.
As we mentioned before, the Scottish Premier League hasn’t started yet. Nevertheless, last Saturday Celtic played a friendly match against West Ham United and lost 6-2. No reason to panic — Postecoglou made 10 substations during half time and West Ham is far superior than Midtjylland. Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor scored the home side’s goals.
Celtic dominated the first leg against Midtjylland. They finished with 16 shots, four on target, and won possession with 63%. Defensively, they played almost perfectly. The visitors’ goal came from a free kick.
Several players contested the EURO 2020, including Jack Hendry, Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, James Forrest. That proves the quality of the roster, now Postecoglou needs to develop a better chemistry.
Nir Biton will not be available due to suspension. Their expected lineup is Vasilios Barkas; Tony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Dane Murray, Greg Taylor; David Turnbull, Ismaila Soro, Callum McGregor; Liel Abada, Ryan Christie, Odsonne Edouard.
Final Analysis and Predictions
The house will be packed, and FC Midtjylland should take the reins from the start. Nevertheless, Celtic will not be easy prey. Midtjylland won three of their last five games at home. They also scored at least one goal in their last nine games.
The winner will secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League no matter what happens next. Expect a close one in which both will score. Don’t forget to check the Soccer Props to increase your winning chances. Take a shot on the correct score, half time/full time winner, and more!
Score Prediction: FC Midtjylland 2, Celtic 1