Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action following the international break as they take on Hamilton on Friday evening in a mouth-watering tie at the SuperSeal stadium.
Scottish Premiership – Hamilton Academical vs Celtic – The SuperSeal Stadium.
Friday 8th September
Kick-off: 19.45 GMT
Hamilton – Best Odds – 12/1 (William Hill)
Celtic – Best Odds – 1/4 (Sky Bet)
Draw – Best Odds – 5/1 (Ladbrokes)
Hamilton
Hamilton have had a superb start to the season and have scored 8 goals in their last 3 games which has seen them pick up 7 points in the process. The Accies sit in the dizzying heights of 4th in the Scottish Premiership and this is sure to be a real test of their credentials this season.
Martin Canning will be delighted with not only their results but their resilience, they were 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go at Kilmarnock last time out but dug deep to salvage a point through Ali Crawford’s 88th minute penalty. They will be fully aware this is the sternest test in Scottish football though and Canning’s men will surely be relishing the opportunity to test themselves against last seasons’ invincibles.
Celtic
The Hoops struggled last time out against St Johnstone as they laboured to a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park. Callum McGregor salvaged a point a fortnight ago in the 79th minute and he is sure to feature here for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Seven Celtic players were used by Scotland manager Gordon Strachan in their world cup qualifying wins over Lithuania and Malta during the break – so it will be interesting to see what shape they return to Celtic in.
Another factor that will surely loom large on the mind of Rodgers is the impeding Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night at Parkhead. For all his success in domestic football, Rodgers will surely be judged on his performances in European competition and will definitely have one eye on Tuesday in his team selection here.
Head to Head
Celtic have won 15 of the 18 meetings between the 2 sided – dating back to when Hamilton were first promoted to the Scottish Premiership back in 2008. The Hoops won all 3 of their meeting last year – scoring 6 goals in the process and conceding none.
Odds and Predictions
Celtic are obviously the heavy favourites due to their pedigree in Scottish football but Hamilton are in good form.
Over 2.5 goals in the game looks a good bet at 8/15 with Coral.
Despite, their failure to score in their last 3 matches against Celtic, Hamilton are looking good going forward at the moment and Celtic have conceded 5 goals in their last 2 games.
Both teams to score – YES – 15/13 with Uni Bet.
Celtic to score in both halves looks a good punt at 8/15 with Sky Bet
Score Prediction
Hamilton Academical 1 – 3 Celtic – 12/1 with Sky Bet.
Top Betting Tip
Celtic should have too much but Hamilton will want to make life difficult for them before their European adventure.
Celtic to win and both teams to score looks great value at 2/1 with William Hill.