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Graham Hunter: What Celtic must do to get a result against Barcelona (and my 12/5 tip)

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Graham Hunter byline

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter previews the Champions League game between Celtic and Barcelona. Here’s what Celtic must do to get a result tonight…

There was once a bit of the Dr Bruce Banner about FC Barcelona. Ok, not the green skin and the tendency to overturn cars, but the ‘Don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry’ bit was true enough.

Over the last few years when teams had the temerity to catch Barça on a bad day and push them around, or to deny them the joy of skipping around the pitch with the ball by choking their space and thinking time then, sooner or later, there’d be a pay back.

Immediately within that game, next time they met, sometimes over and over again: ‘That’ll teach you.’

But it’s to Celtic’s great advantage that while that spirit is still central to the ‘Cogigo ergo sum’ – I play therefore I am – attitude of this team, the mind is willing but the physique is weak.

You don’t take points off players like Xavi, Iniesta, Valdés or Busquets in the manner Celtic did last season without it rankling.

Revenge? No, that’s not their guiding thought process. But, like big Jack Charlton used to have a little black book of accounts pending, for bruises and late tackles, so the Barça boys still remember where they need to address issues from a previous meeting – just to try to restore their football feng shui. Getting the three points is of supreme importance, but putting things back in order will be in their heads too.

SOCCER: Champions League Day 2, Tuesday Oct 1

Barca brutes no more

While Barcelona have been the dominant European team over the last seven years it’s natural that a great deal of focus has been on their technical excellence, their attacking flair, their playing system and also on the fact that two of three of these players, Ronaldinho in his day, Xavi, Iniesta and of course Messi, will rank amongst the greatest that any of us can expect to see in our lifetimes.

What sometimes gets pushed aside is the fact that they used to be a brute to play against. Physically very strong, ferocious in their pressing and constantly working at an incredible rate of knots.

That’s not so true any more. The gradually frittering away of players like Yaya Touré, Seydou Keita, Thierry Henry, Edmilson, Rafa Marquez, Samuel Eto’o and the injury damage age is doing to Carles Puyol means this is a more delicate Barça side. In body if not in mind.

Gerard Pique

TALL ORDER: Gerard Pique (seeing off the challenge of Conor Sammon at the Euros) is raring to go vs Celtic

Tata carries same issues as Tito

This is still an exceptional team. It is still very hungry, it still has a cobra-like ability to pounce on moments of inattention or error.

But even though the new coach, Tata Martino, is an extremely interesting football student, has clear and well articulated ideas and even though he’s showing a very firm hand in rotating the team with absolutely no fear of resting the biggest names, he carries some of the same problems into this match that Tito Vilanova did.

Gerard Piqué is on athletic, hungry form and didn’t play for the large part of the defeat here last year but, around him, Barcelona haven’t added any height to deal with the aerial problems they have at set pieces into the box and the diagonal ball in from open play.

Under Martino the Catalan defence is man-for-man rather than zonal and, perhaps, that will make a difference in due course. At Celtic Park they’ll be tested.

Celtic simply must score first

Another part of Barcelona’s repertoire which was like a pair of steely jaws clamped on your ankle but which is now showing rust is how  they do (or in fact often don’t) close games off once they are leading. Saturday’s 2-0 win at Almeria being an interesting exception.

It’s still absolutely vital for Celtic get the first goal if they want a chance of repeating last year’s excellence. But there was once a time that if Barcelona scored first they almost never released the choke-hold in a game that mattered to them. Not quite so true any more.

The pressing has changed, too. It’s beginning to work under Martino but there is geographical alteration. Under Pep Guardiola, in the golden years, the pressure began on the edge of the opponents’ box. Martino’s idea is that the central maelstrom of pressure on the opponents should be about three-quarter of the way up the pitch with strikers and wing backs pressing vertically, like a pincer, and midfielder moving in horizontally.

Right now, notwithstanding Messi’s absence, Barcelona are sharper, firmer and better prepared for this test than they were 11 months ago. They shape up as single goal winners (12/5), I think.

But invulnerable? No, not that.

  • Celtic v Barcelona betting: Fancy Barca to win by one goal at 12/5? Crunch into the latest odds here >

Graham Hunter is the author of the award-winning book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. There’s a new book on Spain about to drop. Graham is a regular contributor to the Paddy Power Blog on football and an all-round good guy. Follow him on Twitter here

Dive into Hunter’s archives on the Paddy Power Blog here


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Graham Hunter: What Celtic must do to get a result against ‘weak’ Barcelona

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Graham Hunter byline

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter previews the Champions League game between Celtic and Barcelona. Here’s what Celtic must do to get a result tonight…

There was once a bit of the Dr Bruce Banner about FC Barcelona. Ok, not the green skin and the tendency to overturn cars, but the ‘Don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry’ bit was true enough.

Over the last few years when teams had the temerity to catch Barça on a bad day and push them around, or to deny them the joy of skipping around the pitch with the ball by choking their space and thinking time then, sooner or later, there’d be a pay back.

Immediately within that game, next time they met, sometimes over and over again: ‘That’ll teach you.’

But it’s to Celtic’s great advantage that while that spirit is still central to the ‘Cogigo ergo sum’ – I play therefore I am – attitude of this team, the mind is willing but the physique is weak.

You don’t take points off players like Xavi, Iniesta, Valdés or Busquets in the manner Celtic did last season without it rankling.

Revenge? No, that’s not their guiding thought process. But, like big Jack Charlton used to have a little black book of accounts pending, for bruises and late tackles, so the Barça boys still remember where they need to address issues from a previous meeting – just to try to restore their football feng shui. Getting the three points is of supreme importance, but putting things back in order will be in their heads too.

SOCCER: Champions League Day 2, Tuesday Oct 1

Barca brutes no more

While Barcelona have been the dominant European team over the last seven years it’s natural that a great deal of focus has been on their technical excellence, their attacking flair, their playing system and also on the fact that two of three of these players, Ronaldinho in his day, Xavi, Iniesta and of course Messi, will rank amongst the greatest that any of us can expect to see in our lifetimes.

What sometimes gets pushed aside is the fact that they used to be a brute to play against. Physically very strong, ferocious in their pressing and constantly working at an incredible rate of knots.

That’s not so true any more. The gradually frittering away of players like Yaya Touré, Seydou Keita, Thierry Henry, Edmilson, Rafa Marquez, Samuel Eto’o and the injury damage age is doing to Carles Puyol means this is a more delicate Barça side. In body if not in mind.

Gerard Pique

TALL ORDER: Gerard Pique (seeing off the challenge of Conor Sammon at the Euros) is raring to go vs Celtic

Tata carries same issues as Tito

This is still an exceptional team. It is still very hungry, it still has a cobra-like ability to pounce on moments of inattention or error.

But even though the new coach, Tata Martino, is an extremely interesting football student, has clear and well articulated ideas and even though he’s showing a very firm hand in rotating the team with absolutely no fear of resting the biggest names, he carries some of the same problems into this match that Tito Vilanova did.

Gerard Piqué is on athletic, hungry form and didn’t play for the large part of the defeat here last year but, around him, Barcelona haven’t added any height to deal with the aerial problems they have at set pieces into the box and the diagonal ball in from open play.

Under Martino the Catalan defence is man-for-man rather than zonal and, perhaps, that will make a difference in due course. At Celtic Park they’ll be tested.

Celtic simply must score first

Another part of Barcelona’s repertoire which was like a pair of steely jaws clamped on your ankle but which is now showing rust is how  they do (or in fact often don’t) close games off once they are leading. Saturday’s 2-0 win at Almeria being an interesting exception.

It’s still absolutely vital for Celtic get the first goal if they want a chance of repeating last year’s excellence. But there was once a time that if Barcelona scored first they almost never released the choke-hold in a game that mattered to them. Not quite so true any more.

The pressing has changed, too. It’s beginning to work under Martino but there is geographical alteration. Under Pep Guardiola, in the golden years, the pressure began on the edge of the opponents’ box. Martino’s idea is that the central maelstrom of pressure on the opponents should be about three-quarter of the way up the pitch with strikers and wing backs pressing vertically, like a pincer, and midfielder moving in horizontally.

Right now, notwithstanding Messi’s absence, Barcelona are sharper, firmer and better prepared for this test than they were 11 months ago. They shape up as single goal winners, I think.

But invulnerable? No, not that.

  • Celtic v Barcelona betting: Fancy Barca to win by one goal at 12/5? Crunch into the latest odds here >

Graham Hunter is the author of the award-winning book, Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World. There’s a new book on Spain about to drop. Graham is a regular contributor to the Paddy Power Blog on football and an all-round good guy. Follow him on Twitter here

Dive into Hunter’s archives on the Paddy Power Blog here


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Why Celtic must beware of bare-knuckle fighters Barca

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Graham Hunter byline

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter previews the Champions League game between Celtic and Barcelona at Parkhead on November 7

The scouts and coaches who prepare to play FC Barcelona usually tear their hair out with tactical questions. To attack, to press, to hold a high line, to defend if they grab a lead, to play one up front, to use wingers to crowd out Barca’s marauding full backs, to double-mark Lionel Messi – it’s a never-ending list.

This time, however, there are two over-riding messages which Neil Lennon will need his troops to assimilate, understand and apply.

  • Don’t give the ball away
  • Keep your guard up late in the match

Why? Well, allow me to explain.

When Tito Vilanova’s side won 3-1 at home to Celta Vigo at the weekend they registered what is, statistically at least, their best-ever start to a Liga season. That’s one hell of a stat.

But, honestly, they are performing at about 80% of capacity – conceding quite a high number of home goals, having to fight back from a deficit five times in all competitions and only occasionally flaring into their luminous, brilliant best.

Barca v Celtic first game at Nou Camp 2012

However, what is blindingly obvious that is that even when their form is being dragged down by constant injuries (Piqué, Puyol, Alves, Adriano, Alexis and Iniesta are all examples this season) the winning mentality this season is that of a bare-knuckle boxer.

So far this term Barca have scored 47 times in all competitions – of those, a remarkable 18 have been scored in the last 20 minutes of matches, whether they are losing, drawing or winning. That’s 38% of all goals this season notched when other teams are easing down mentally and physically.

Better still, 12 of those goals have come in the last 10 minutes – the late, late show when Jordi Alba dashed the hopes of Neil Lennon’s team at the Camp Nou wasn’t a fluke. And to those of us who watch them regularly it wasn’t a particular surprise either.

Chew on this: on the last two Barca visits to Parkhead Barca have scored three times in each game and of the six goals, three have come in the last quarter of an hour.

Wanyama highlights Barca danger

Most people are of the old cliche — glass half-full, glass half-empty life view. So some will ask if it’s a failing of Barca’s to need so many late goals and, perhaps, when you ally the tendency to the fact that the world champions have trailed this season to Celtic, Spartak, Osasuna, Sevilla and Real Madrid before coming back to win each of those games it’s true that they aren’t defending brilliantly.

However, if you accept that what it stems from is an unquenchable thirst to be scoring goals irrespective of how the match stands and accept that it’s an indication of Barca’s mental and physical toughness then, net, this tendancy is a positive.

So is their capacity to sieze upon mistakes. I spent last Monday talking at great length with Celtic’s midfielder Victor Wanyama. He’s only 21 and, with his brother, only the second Kenyan to play in the Champions League. He’s already in the top three Celtic players this season and has an increased chance of wreaking havoc given that the organiser of Barca’s midfield, Sergio Busquets, is absent.

What did Wanyama learn about playing Barca two weeks ago before he swapped shirts with Andres Iniesta?

The fact is that we have to give the ball away much less than we did. Great teams are just waiting for one error, one gift of possession and then they take advantage.

Barca boosted by Pique return

Whether Neil Lennon chooses to replicate two of the great Champions League performances under Gordon Strachan (beating Milan 2-1 and Manchester United 1-0) by playing cautiously and then converting clinically when the slightest chance emerges or chooses to try to run Barca off their feet it’s crucial Celtic are almost flawless when they have the ball, not just when they are defending.

For the visitors it’s clearly a boost Gerard Piqué is back, altough I know he feels he’ll be touch-and-go for this match after nearly one month out.

Equally the fact that the kick on the knee which Leo Messi took late in the Celta victory hasn’t ruled him out is a major factor in betting that Barca will impose themselves and win.

Are they invulnerable? No way. But do they bring a bagful of tricks and a habit of pulling off final flourishes under pressure? Yes, definitely.
Stand by for a big match and don’t, whatever you do, blink when the clock is ticking towards the 90th minute.

  • Betting: Celtic vs Barcelona
  • More from Graham Hunter

Graham Hunter is a Barcelona-based, British soccer writer whose passionate insight on La Liga can regularly be seen and heard on TV and radio. He also writes for the Paddy Power Blog on Spanish football. Follow Graham on twitter here.


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Celtic v Juventus – Champions League Betting Preview

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CelticThis should be a thrilling Champions League clash as the number one side in the Scottish Premier League takes on the number one in Serie A. Both Celtic and Juventus should be keen to stay in the tournament as Celtic have never progressed further than the final 16 and Juventus had not made it to the knockout stages since 2008/09, but Juventus are our favourite to come out victorious at 9/10 with a Celtic win priced at 7/2.

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Celtic seek away-day cure

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Celtic head to Finnair Stadium on Wednesday desperate to improve on a wretched away record in the Champions League and keep their European dream alive (KO 19:00 CET 20:00 local time).

Neil Lennon’s men have won just one of 33 away matches in Europe but take on HJK Helsinki in the second-leg of a Champions League third round qualifying clash with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Glasgow.

The Bhoys – overwhelming 1/40 favourites to win the Scottish Premier League – have only managed to score in 10 out of their last 22 European road trips and their approach to this return fixture is intriguing. The fact that Celtic do not have to win this game to progress makes it even more difficult for punters.

HJK Helsinki can be backed at 13/8 to win in 90 minutes, while a rare away win is quoted 11/8, but the evidence suggests the draw could have legs at 11/5 and this would see the visitors progress.

Backing teams who do not need to win is always a minefield and it may be that Lennon decides to pack his midfield and frustrate the home side.

Key to their hopes will be the fitness of combative midfielder Scott Brown, who has a hip injury, and whether Lennon decides to try protect his side’s advantage or go for the kill.

James Forrest is battling to recover from a groin problem, Charlie Mulgrew makes his returns from his weekend suspension and Georgios Samaras has recovered from a face knock.

The Finns returned home seething at Czech referee Miroslav Zelinka for allowing Celtic to take the corner that led to the winner while HJK were making a substitution and have their own motivation to send the Scottish champions packing.

The home side will have the edge in terms of match sharpness given that their domestic campaign is past the half-way point and can boast a proud home record of having not lost at Finnair Stadium since August 2010 in the Veikkausliga.

This time last year in the same competition the Finnish champions put 10 past Bangor City without reply and last month walloped Icelandic title winners KR Reykjavík 7-0.

The wheels have started to come off in recent weeks and it needed a goal on 82 minutes from Mika Vayrynen to salvage a 3-3 draw against VPS last time out. This followed a 1-0 defeat away to Honka in which Antti Muurinen’s men were reduced to nine men on a day to forget.

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Celtic face tough Euro test

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Celtic head into their Champions League third round qualifying tie with HJK Helsinki as favourites to move a step closer towards a place in the group stages of the competition, though their opponents head into the match with wind in their sails.

The 2011 Finnish champions, who currently trail 2012 league leaders FC Inter by two points, qualified to face the SPL holders with a 9-1 aggregate victory over Icelandic side KR.

And, while questions could be raised about the standard of opposition, the impact a comfortable victory can have on a team ahead of a big match should not be underestimated.

HJK are priced at 6/1 to leave Celtic Park with a first-leg win on Wednesday, which seems extremely generous considering their hosts’ lack of competitive action in recent months.

Celtic are priced at 4/11 to take an advantage with them back to Iceland for the second leg, while a draw is available at 16/5.

But, when you consider as well that manager Neil Lennon could be without key attacking duo Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons for the clash, it may be difficult for the Glasgow side to break down their less illustrious opponents.

Elsewhere in the third qualifying round, Celtic’s SPL rivals Motherwell welcome Panathinaikos to Fir Park Stadium for what will be a big occasion for the old Lanarkshire club.

The Greeks finished second in last season’s Super League, while the Steelmen’s third-placed finish in last year’s SPL was enough to ignite their own hopes of mixing it with Europe’s biggest clubs in 2012/13.

Following the withdrawal from the SPL of Rangers, there is belief at Motherwell that the team can challenge Celtic’s domestic supremacy, and advancement in Europe will also be high on head coach Stuart McCall’s list of priorities.

His side are available in the match betting at 3/1 to win the first leg tie, while Panathinaikos are priced at 4/5 to ruin the party, with the draw up for grabs at 11/5.

It’s a tough game to call, but a siege mentality from the hosts could make life difficult for the Greeks, who could be prepared to settle for a draw to take back to Athens.

Another tie to look out for is the showdown in Denmark, where FC Copenhagen face Club Brugge.

The men from the Danish capital qualified from their group in the 2010/11 Champions League and will be desperate to replicate that success after failing to make the competition last season.

Brugge, meanwhile, will be looking to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2005/06 season, when they defied the odds to take a point from Bayern Munich before bowing out at the group stage.

Copenhagen are priced 21/20 to win the game, while Brugge are at 21/10, and the draw is at 11/5. But a cursory glance at the two teams’ domestic fortunes last season indicates there perhaps isn’t as much between these two sides as those odds suggest.

With that in mind, a punt on Brugge at relatively long odds could be a decent option here.

Finally, Bate Borisov will look to reach the group stages of the Champions League for a second consecutive year, but must first overcome Debrecen, who were comfortable winners in their second qualifying round tie against Albanian champions Skenderbeu Korce.

Debrecen have not reached the ‘competition proper’ since 2010/11, but, following their comfortable Hungarian league triumph in 2011/2, they will approach this challenge with confidence.

Bate are the favourites at 4/5 in the match betting, though Debrecen’s odds of 3/1 bely the team’s ability and recent form, so a bet here on the visitors at such a good price would make a lot of sense.

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Back Celtic to bounce back

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Last week’s Old Firm defeat to Rangers may have delayed the SPL party for Celtic, but they still go into Sunday’s game with St Johnstone holding a healthy 15-point advantage over their city rivals, meaning it is only a matter of time before they will be crowned champions.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon had been forced to angrily defend his players earlier this week following their loss at Rangers and a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the League Cup final drew stinging criticism from the media.

The defeat at Hampden brought to an end a unbeaten domestic run that stretched back 26 games, something to consider when deciding your bets on this fixture.

Lennon’s ire has also been directed towards referee Calum Murray, who sent him to the stands at Ibrox last weekend as well as dismissing Celtic duo Cha Du-ri and Victor Wanyama.

After being asked to explain his comments by the SFA, Lennon promptly skipped his pre-match press conference on Friday, wary of talking himself into more trouble.

That represents far from ideal preparation for the visit of the Saints and perhaps an outward sign that the pressure is starting to affect the previously unruffled Hoops boss.

Meanwhile, Steve Lomas’ men are enjoying a fine season and are well on course to secure European football after their win at Inverness in midweek lifted them three points clear of Dundee United in fourth place.

They go into the game having won four of their last five games – including the last three – and have yet to lose since February 11.

They are also the only Scottish team to have beaten Neil Lennon’s men at Celtic Park this season, a 1-0 win in Glasgow on August 21 thanks to a goal from defender Dave Mackay.

Their enticing odds of 15/2 therefore suddenly become a viable option. A repeat of last August’s 1-0 win also brings home tidy odds of 14/1.

To do so though would be dismissing the strength of Celtic’s recent domestic run. A poor start to the season saw them fall 12 points behind Rangers at one stage, but their resurgence in form has stretched through to the spring and they now stand on the brink of a 43rd SPL Championship.

They may just be four places apart in the table, but the gulf between the Old Firm is vast and for that reason I think Lennon’s men will raise their game on Sunday.

The odds of 1/3 for a home win will not really payout, so value could be found in the correct score market.

Celtic have conceded just six goals at home this season while St Johnstone have just let in 10 on the road, so goals look set to be a premium. My prediction therefore is for the narrowest of Celtic wins, with a 1-0 home victory priced at a more favourable 6/1.

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Lennon issues Celtic warning

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Celtic may well be on an impressive run of form in the Scottish Premier League this season but manager Neil Lennon has urged his players to avoid complacency when they make the trip to Hearts on Wednesday (Hearts 4/1, draw 5/2, Celtic 8/11 – Match Betting).

The Hoops have worked wonders in recent months as they managed to overturn Rangers’ (10/3 – SPL Outright) 15-point lead at the top of the table to go top of the pile, with four points being the difference if they can win at Tynecastle.

It’s the level of consistency that has been so impressive for Celtic after a slow start to the campaign, as they have dominated most sides from start to finish in recent weeks.

Gary Hooper (10/3 – First Goalscorer) has been the star striker for Celtic since his move from Scunthorpe United, however he has been backed up by decent performances from Georgios Samaras and Anthony Stokes.

Goals have not been hard to come by for Hooper and Stokes, who have 33 goals between them in all competitions this term, and Hearts will be fully aware of the duo.

It has not only been in the attacking areas of the field where Celtic (1/5 – SPL Outright) have looked strong, as the Old Firm side have only conceded two goals in their last five outings, which will be a worrying sign for a Hearts side who have been making headline for the wrong reasons this week.

The Edinburgh outfit continue to struggle with financial restraints off the field, with players reportedly not being paid on time and now a fresh court case against them from the Inland Revenue for alleged unpaid tax.

Considering their monetary woes, the Hearts players should take great credit for their performances on the field, as they currently sit in fourth place in the SPL table.

The Jambos find themselves six points off Motherwell and will be keen to close down the gap on the Steelmen before their trip to St Mirren on Saturday.

Hearts head into this match following a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone, in what was a frustrating afternoon for manager Paulo Sergio, who saw his side have a man advantage for the final 15 minutes of the game.

One bright spark for Hearts was the 23-year-old David Templeton scoring the opening goal of the game against the Perth club. The attacking midfielder is highly rated and Celtic will have to be aware of the threat he will pose on Wednesday night.

Czech midfielder Rudi Skacel (15/2 – First Goalscorer) is currently the club’s leading goalscorer this term with nine and he will also be looking to find a way through that sturdy Celtic defence.

Considering their form the Hoops are firm favourites to win Wednesday’s encounter at Tyncastle and it’s hard to see them not coming away with the three points.

Hearts have struggled for goals so a clean sheet for Celtic would not be surprising, as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table and go a step close to claiming the SPL title.

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Celtic to come through Hibs test

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It’s been a difficult campaign for Neil Lennon and Celtic (8/15 in the match betting) so far, but things could be looking up and they should see off Hibernian (5/1) on Wednesday to book their place in the last four of the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Lennon’s Bhoys sit 10 points behind Old Firm rivals Rangers in the SPL with the 4-2 defeat at Ibrox in September the low point of the season so far. They do have a game in hand and will hope to claw back that deficit as the season goes on but they can forget about their league woes in midweek when they travel to Edinburgh for the Hibs clash.

A 2-0 win over Ross County in the last round has set up the Easter Road meeting and, while Lennon is expected to make changes for the game, the Northern Irishman insists he is taking the competition seriously and is focused on securing a semi-final spot.

Lennon’s side got a much-needed 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Sunday thanks to Charlie Mulgrew’s winner. He has been a rock at the back and is expected to play in Edinburgh alongside first-team regulars Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley, who all featured against County in September in the last round.

Kayal, in particular, was impressive in the win over the Dons after it was announced last week he had agreed a new, long-term contract at Celtic Park. He has yet to score this season but might be worth a a punt at 4/1 to score anytime in this one.

Looking at the goalscorer markets more closely, Gary Hooper is the 7/2 favourite to score first – as he looks to repeat the feat he managed against Ross County – but better value can be had elsewhere. Ivan Sproule (Hibs) looks tempting at 10/1 to open the scoring while Ledley at 9/1 is attractive for the visitors.

Hibernian will be without on-loan Richie Towell as he can’t face his parent club so that means manager Colin Calderwood must change the side which beat St Mirren 3-2 in the SPL on Saturday.

Mark Brown should start in place of Graham Stack, continuing as goalkeeper for the League Cup campaign, while Calum Booth could return.

Calderwood’s side will be revved up for the clash and will fancy their chances of at least taking the game to extra time but we expect Celtic to come through without too many problems – with the draw/Celtic – HT/FT at 10/3 well worth a bet.

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Celtic nations set for Euro test

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Friday night will throw up some intriguing games in the race to qualify for the Euro 2012 Championships in Poland and the Ukraine and it’s a big night for the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales for very different reasons.

The Republic have a crucial away trip to the continent to take on Andorra in what is a must-win for manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his men (Andorra 33/1, draw 12/1, ROI 1/20).

A victory on the road and a win against Armenia on Tuesday night would secure at least a play-off place for the Irishmen, who have enjoyed a decent qualifying campaign so far.

However they will not want to be looking too far ahead and must first focus on bagging the three points in Andorra.

Ireland currently sit in second place in Group B behind Russia but would overtake the favourites if they secured a victory on Friday night and the Russians failed to do likewise.

And Ireland really should come away with the win, as Andorra are one of only two teams in any group to have not picked up a single point in qualification so far.

Ireland will have Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne out of action due to suspension, however Darren O’Dea, who is on loan with Leeds United from Celtic, is set to deputise in a strong Republic side.

It’s hard to see the Andorrans causing any problems for Trapattoni’s men and it will be important for his side to improve their goal difference, with this group looking like it will come down to the wire.

A game that’s important for different reasons is Northern Ireland’s clash with Estonia, as under pressure manager Nigel Worthington looks to prove his doubters wrong (NI Evs, draw 12/5, Estonia 11/4).

The Ulstermen’s chances are all but over for qualifying for Euro 2012, and with another major tournament slipping them by, people have called for a fresh face to be brought into the managerial  hot seat.

With only two wins from their eight games so far, Northern Ireland have struggled to compete with the likes of Italy and Serbia.

However in Estonia, Worthington’s men have a real chance of pulling off a win if they can be backed by the home support at Windsor Park.

The Baltic nation have won two more games in Group C, however in what is likely to be a wet and windy night at Windsor Park, Northern Ireland might just pull off a victory for their under pressure boss.

Another manager who would love to see his side pick up three points is Wales manager Gary Speed, who has not made a smooth transition into international football on the none-playing side.

Wales’ most capped outfield player sees his side sit rock bottom of Pool G, which also includes the likes of England, Montenegro and Bulgaria.

Friday’s opponents for the Welsh at the Liberty Stadium will be Switzerland, who still have a chance to qualify for Euro 2012 (Wales 10/3, draw 13/5, Switzerland 4/5).

Speed has some injury concerns with Jack Collison and Andy King join fellow midfielder Joe Ledley on the list of absentees, in what is already a limited Wales squad.

Switzerland have proved to be an efficient team which can grind out results and unfortunately for Speed and his men, it could be another disappointing night for the Welsh.

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