Celtic vs Atletico Madrid predictions: Champions League tips and odds

Belfast Telegraph

25 October 2023

Our betting expert has provided three betting tips for tonight’s Champions League Group E game between Celtic and Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park (8pm kick-off). Read on to find out the reasoning and analysis behind his selections.

Celtic vs Atletico Madrid betting tips

Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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Atleti to win high-scoring affair

Celtic have dominated Scottish football this season, but their struggles on the European stage continue as they have lost their opening two fixtures of the Champions League campaign.

They face a tough task in their third match too, as they play host to an Atletico Madrid team who have won six games on the bounce.

Celtic’s recent run in the Champions League leaves plenty to be desired, as they took only two points from a possible 18 last campaign.

The Bhoys have opened this term with a defeat at Feyenoord where they were reduced to nine men and then lost to a last-minute goal against Lazio in their second clash.

Their opponents here, Atletico Madrid, have been rock-solid in La Liga. They are three points off top spot with a game in hand.

Diego Simeone’s men began their Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw with Lazio before seeing off Feyenoord 3-2 last time out.

Atleti look too strong for a Celtic team that have struggled to make the adjustment from domestic to European football and could be struggling once more.

In their previous eight Champions League games, both teams have scored in a Hoops loss on five occasions – and the same is fancied here.

Both sides have found the net in the previous four matches that Brendan Rodgers’s men have played and the same looks likely in this one.

Celtic vs Atletico Madrid tip 1: Atletico Madrid to win and both teams to score @ 13/5 with Paddy Power

Griezmann to continue hot streak

Antoine Griezmann seems to be enjoying his football once more after a difficult few seasons and he is thriving for Atletico this term.

His hat-trick against Celta Vigo at the weekend put him on seven La Liga goals. Only Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham has more in the Spanish top flight.

The Frenchman is given the licence to roam in Simeone’s team and he could cause real difficulties for the hosts, so take him to get on the scoresheet in this one.

Celtic vs Atletico Madrid tip 2: Antoine Griezmann to score anytime @ 6/4 with Paddy Power

Scales could fall foul of referee

Liam Scales began the season as a fourth or fifth-choice central defender for Celtic but injuries to others in his position have allowed him to establish himself in the team.

The Irishman made his debut for his nation recently and is currently thriving.

However, he has picked up three yellow cards in seven league appearances this season and looks a big price to receive another caution against these opponents.

Luis Palma has been one of Celtic’s most impressive new signings and is averaging 3.46 shots per 90 minutes in the league, and we are taking him to get away at least two in this one.

To round off the bet builder, seven of Atletico’s previous nine matches have had over 2.5 goals and a repeat of that looks likely.

Celtic vs Atletico Madrid tip 3: Bet builder: Over 2.5 goals, Liam Scales to be shown a card and Luis Palma to have two or more shots @ 9/1 with Paddy Power

Celtic vs Atletico Madrid odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Celtic vs Atletico Madrid team news

Celtic

Stephen Walsh and Liel Abada are both absent while Palma and Kyogo should lead the attack for Celtic on Wednesday.

Celtic predicted line-up (4-3-3): Hart; Johnson, Lagerbielke, Scales, Taylor; O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Kyogo, Palma

Atletico Madrid

Stefan Savic is absent with an injury while Samuel Lino is also set to miss out after going off at the weekend.

Atletico Madrid predicted line-up (3-5-2): Oblak; Azpilicueta, Witsel, Mario Hermoso; Molina, Marcos Llorente, Koke, De Paul, Saul Niguez; Morata, Griezmann