Celtic vs Alashkert FC Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Celtic head in to this week’s Champions League encounter with Alashkert with a three goal lead, following on from an impressive result in the away leg. They have all but secured a place in the next round of the qualifiers, as the Bhoys aim to make it all the way to the group stage for the third season running. That would be a startling achievement from Brendan Rodgers, as there are so many potential dangers in the path to the last 32 of the tournament, and the window to make it to the tournament proper is closing.

Celtic are the side who could lose out from the changes made to qualifying, as fewer spots in the group stage are on offer to sides who enter at this stage. The competition has been restructured to guarantee more places to the biggest leagues, and as a result the champions’ route to the group stage has been lowered to four places. That makes for huge competition, and a more difficult job for the Glasgow side. Can they continue their hopes of making it through to the group stage with a rout against Alashkert here?

Keeping the players fit and on their toes will be Celtic’s big aim, so don’t expect them to ease off in this one. A full strength side should feature, and they will be aiming to hammer a side who shipped three in the home leg. The visitors haven’t won in their last four, and they’re massive underdogs ahead of their trip across to Scotland. They’re likely to receive a frosty reception, while they meet a Celtic side who have been in great scoring form.

The hosts have hit 14 goals in their last three, so they should be fully firing in this clash. Their progress through the qualifiers last season saw them impress going forward, and they have a fantastic defensive record. While they’ve obviously struggled when meeting the best sides – the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich – their wins have been quite comfortable. Their last six wins in this competition have come with a clean sheet.

Celtic won matches 4-0 and 5-0 in the qualifiers last summer, while they booked their spot in 2016 with a 5-2 thrasing of Hapoel Be’er Sheva. We expect them to rack up the goals yet again, and a home win over 3.5 goals is our tip here. After hitting three in the first leg, we expect them to outdo themselves here. With some impressive qualifying results under their belt, a 5-0 home win is our correct score tip, as we expect the Bhoys to cruise in to the second qualifying round.