Udinese v Celtic Tip

You know you’re in trouble when your only European away win in recent memory was awarded by default after your opponents fielded ineligible players. There is where we find Celtic. In the record books it claims a 3-0 win against FC Sion was the solitary victory in the last nine continental trips. In reality, the Bhoys even lost that one 3-1 on the night.

Neil Lennon’s side must now head to one of the most feared venues in Italian football knowing that only three points will keep his side in the competition. To say the task looks daunting is an understatement. Udinese lie second in Serie A, only behind Juventus on goal difference and ahead of both the Milan giants. At Stadio Friuli they have won all seven of their league games this season, scoring 14 and conceding just two in the process.

These impressive statistics, combined with Celtic’s abysmal away history leave me staggered that Udinese are as long as 8/5 (Bet365) to be the only team to score on Thursday night. A top Italian team that only needs a point to progress will inevitably put an emphasis on keeping it tight at the back, but it’s hard to believe they won’t score themselves.

Francesco Guidolin’s high-flyers have made their home a fortress, and won all four of their previous fixtures in this competition on their own patch. The latest success was a 2-0 win over Group I leaders Atletico Madrid. Udinese look about right at 8/13 (WilliamHill) to win this one, but 8/5 (Bet365)) on doing so with a clean sheet looks much better value.