Michael Owen backs Celtic to progress to the group stage of the Champions League this season.
Celtic are virtually guaranteed to feature in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition for the second season in a row.
The Glasgow giants won the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie against FC Astana of the Kazakhstan Premier League 5-0 at Celtic Park last week.
The second leg of the tie will be played on Tuesday evening, and former Newcastle striker Owen does not see foresee any problem for the Hoops.
“Celtic won the opening leg 5-0 at Parkhead, and should comfortably make it through to the group stages of the Champions League,” Owen wrote on Betvictor.com.
“Brendan Rodgers’ side remain so strong at the back and I would be surprised to see the hosts net against an efficient Hoops defence.
“I expect Celtic to start with a strong side and, providing they have the tie sewn-up by half-time, they will be able to make plenty of changes after the break.”
A footnote added: “Michael’s recommendation: Under 2.5 Goals at Evens.”
Celtic are a much stronger and better team than Astana, and they showed that in the first leg at Celtic Park last week.
While a defeat for the Hoops this evening cannot be entirely ruled out, it is hard to see Brendan Rodgers’s concede five or more goals.
Celtic fans should be optimistic that they will see their team playing in the Champions League group stage for the second season in a row.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
