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Midtjylland host Celtic on Wednesday night in the Champions League second qualifying round. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the tie and neither has an advantage going into Wednesday’s game at the MCH Arena.

Midtjylland vs Celtic Match Preview

Celtic dominated the first leg at home compiling 63% possession and 16 shots – with four on target. However, Liel Abada’s first half goal couldn’t stand the test of time as Midtjylland’s Evander equalised on 66 minutes. Both clubs had players sent off in the match as Celtic’s Nir Britton and was dismissed just before halftime. Midtjylland’s Anders Dreyer was sent off 11 minutes after the restart. The second leg is nicely poised and making it even more enthralling is the fact that UEFA abolished the away goals rule for the tournament this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as Celtic manager has been praised by fans and the media. He is expected to bring the tactical expertise needed that was lacking under previous manager Neil Lennon. Celtic will being their Scottish Premiership campaign on Saturday at Hearts.

Midtjylland kicked off their Danish Superliga season on 16 July. They have played two matches domestically and one in the Champions League already. New manager Bo Henriksen’s team should have the edge when it comes to fitness.

Midtjylland vs Celtic Betting Odds

 

 

Midtjylland will fancy their chances of winning at home. After weathering the storm against Celtic in Glasgow, the Wolves should be happy to leave Scotland with a 1-1 draw. Henriksen needs the team to do more in possess this time around. They managed just 37% possession and three shots. Midtjylland need to advance more rather than defending deep.

 

Leading sportsbooks’ best betting odds for Midtjylland to win against Celtic are at 6/4. Meanwhile, betting odds for Celtic to claim a victory and move onto the Champions League third qualifying round are at 39/20. Midtjylland have the edge in the bookies’ opinion with an implied probability of winning at 40%.

Celtic’s lack of match fitness and Sharpness could be an issue on Wednesday. Midtjylland have already played twice in the Danish Superliga along with their first leg 1-1 draw with Celtic in the Champions League second qualifying round first leg fixture.

After losing 2-1 to Odense to start the season, Midtjylland rebounded for a 1-0 win at the weekend against Aalborg. Midtjylland are now fifth in the league on three points, just one point behind first-place Randers.

Midtjylland vs Celtic Team News

Due to their sendings off in the first leg, neither Celtic’s Nir Bitton nor Midtjylland’s Anders Dreyer will be available to their respective managers. Bitton’s absence is a major blow to Postecoglou as the defender is the lynchpin of Celtic’s backline. A loss to Midtjylland in the second leg and exit from the Champions League qualifying rounds would be a terrible low to new coach Postecoglou.

Stephen Welsh should step in for Bitton and could play alongside youngster Dane Murray. Goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas was at fault for Midtjylland’s goal in the first leg. He is already under fire and played only the first half against West Ham in a 6-2 friendly loss at the weekend. It wasn’t the way Celtic or Postecoglou wanted to prepare for the second leg against Midtjylland. Scott Bain is in line to start in goal in Denmark.

Defender Kristoffer Ajer left Celtic last week for Brentford. Meanwhile, Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele are injured and not expected to play a part in the game.

Henriksen has fewer worries ahead of the game. Teenage winger Aral Simsir has been absent from training due to COVID-19. Simsir isn’t expected to play. Australia international Awer Mabil should replace the suspended Dreyer.

Midtjylland vs Celtic H2H

The first leg match between Midtjylland and Celtic was their first in European competition. There is no history between these sides and no trends to go off of. Midtjylland are slight favourites to pick up a win and qualify for the third qualifying round of the Champions League, however. Just one of their three matches in all competitions has ended in a victory.

Meanwhile, Celtic have lost back-to-back friendlies to Preston North End and West Ham by a combined 7-2 scoreline. Both of those matches were played at home.

Midtjylland vs Celtic Prediction

Both teams to score: YES @ 8/11 - BET NOW

 

 

The first leg finished 1-1 as both sides scored. Midtjylland’s goal may have been fortunate thanks to a goalkeeping error. Still, the Wolves stayed in the game despite defending for much of it and claiming 37% possession. Playing at home could be a major difference for Midtjylland. Add in Celtic’s weekend demoralising 6-2 loss to West Ham and the heads could drop on the Scottish side early. Our betting tips experts not that Midtjylland have scored in all three of their competitive matches this season.

 

Liel Abada to score anytime @ 11/4 - BET NOW

 

 

Teen sensation Liel Abada arrived at Celtic in the summer transfer window and scored his club’s first goal in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. The 19-year-old joined from Maccabi Petah Tikva where he scored 20 goals and added 10 assists in 76 matches. His signing shows the scope of Celtic’s search for up-and-coming players.

 

Midtjylland to qualify @ 4/5 - BET NOW

 

 

Midtjylland have the privilege of playing at home in the second leg. Our prediction is for the Wolves to make the most of home-field advantage and qualify for the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

 

That means Midtjylland will either win in regulation, in extra-time, or on penalties. Based on the first leg, our betting tips experts believe this match could go the distance and penalties may be needed to sort out the team that progresses.

Midtjylland vs Celtic Betting Tips