On Wednesday, at 19:45, Celtic is trying to qualify for the 3rd preliminary round of the UEFA Champions League, in the home match with the Hungarians from Ferencvaros.
Celtic beat the Icelanders from Reykjavik in the previous round, 6-0, making full use of their experience and the quality of the stars in the group. It was a match without history, just as Ferencvaros managed, in front of Djurgardens (2-0). The Hungarians have invested considerably in their team in recent years and last season they were one step away from eliminating Dinamo Zagreb from the League! The ambitions of the white-greens are great, but the difficulty of this match is commensurate.
In the last five official matches, Celtic have won four times and recorded a draw in the championship (1-1 at Kilmarnock). Neil Lennon’s team comes after a borderline success with Dundee United, score 1-0. Ferencvaros comes after a semi-failure in the domestic league, score 1-1 at MTK Budapest, but the performances from the summer friendlies and from the match with Djurgardens offer hopes to the guest team. However, Celtic are very difficult to beat when playing at home.
In the 3 games played so far in the championship, Celtic ticked two victories and a draw and has a goal difference of 7-2. The victory in round 1 in tennis against KR Reykjavik and the fact that they will play again on their own field make the Scots favorites on paper in Wednesday’s match.
For the team coached by the former legendary football player of Dinamo Kiev, Serghei Rebrov, it will be very important the defense from the first half hour. If Ferencvaros escapes without a goal, there are good chances to see a balanced duel until the end.
Ivorian Franck Boli is the main scorer of the Hungarians, but Tokmac Nguen is in excellent shape: he scored both goals in the victory with Djurgarden. He also scored in a draw with MTK, so the Norwegian managed all 3 goals of Ferencvaros in the two official games played this season. It won’t be a high score for Celtic!
Celtic has 5 victories in the last 6 matches played (including friendlies);
Celtic recently defeated Ross County (2-0), Hibernian (3-1), Hamilton (5-1) and Dundee United (1-0);
In the last 5 matches of Ferencvaros have scored each time under 2.5 goals;
Ferencvaros has not lost in 10 consecutive matches (including friendlies);
It will be the first direct duel between the two bands;
PREDICTION: Celtic to win @ 1,43
