After a cagey first leg at Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers and his men travel to Norway on Wednesday in the hope of reaching the Champions League play-off stage. However, standing in their way are Rosenborg, with the reigning Norwegian champions having showed that they are no pushovers at this level of football. Manager Kåre Ingebrigtsen will be looking to make a name for himself on the biggest European stage, with his side currently on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
With little to choose between the two teams, betting odds offered by the bookmakers are also tight. With plenty of bets expected on the match, let’s take a look at the two teams, as well as our top betting tip for the encounter.
Rosenborg
Rosenborg will undoubtedly have been delighted at leaving Glasgow with a goalless draw last week, and will go into the second leg at the Lerkendal Stadion full of confidence. Rosenborg are undefeated at home so far this season, and despite having only narrowly seen off Dundalk in the previous round, are perhaps now the favourites to make it through to the play-offs. Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner led the line for the Norwegians at Celtic Park, with the Danish international having scored six goals following his arrival from Nottingham Forest earlier this year. Rosenborg are looking to looking to enter the group stages for the first time since the 2007/08 season.
Celtic
Having struggled to create any meaningful chances against Rosenborg during the first leg, Celtic will be hoping that their attacking prowess improves in Norway on Wednesday. With star striker Moussa Dembele again set to miss out through injury, Scottish international James Forrest is once again set to deputise, with last season’s player of the year, Scott Sinclair, providing support in front of goal. Meanwhile, Norwegian under-21 international, Kristoffer Ajer, will be looking to keep his starting place in defence, having impressed during the first leg. The former Lillestrom player will have experience of playing at the Lerkendal Stadion already.
Top Betting Tip
With such little separating the two teams, wagering on the match is a difficult proposition. However, given their appetite for the big occasion, we are backing Celtic to somehow find a way through. As a result, our top betting tip is for Celtic to qualify for the next round, which can be found at best odds of 8/15 at Ladbrokes. This means that Celtic are not required to win within 90 minutes in order for your bet to be successful, with a win during any potential extra time or penalty shootout also qualifying as a win.