Jablonec no match for this renewed Celtic

Postecoglou off the mark

The first leg in the Czech Republic saw the Hoops cruise to a 4-2 victory against Jablonec, giving them a comfortable margin going back to Celtic Park. This was Ange Postecoglou’s first win as Celtic manager, and it looks likely he’ll see his side into the next qualifying round. Celtic took advantage of Jablonec’s shambolic defending in the first leg, putting on a display of attacking intent, taking the game to the Czech side. With a 6-0 demolition of Dundee at the weekend, these dominant Celtic displays show no sign of letting up, and it seems like Postecoglou has got his attacking ducks in order.

Youthful Hoops ran rings

Celtic absolutely dominated possession on Czech soil, nearly doubling Jablonec’s 310 passes in the ninety minutes. An opening goal from Liel Abada, added to by Kyrogo Furuhashi, James Forrest and Ryan Christie gives Celtic both the aggregate advantage as well as the confidence going into this second leg. Jablonec will have to be at their very best to topple a confident Celtic outfit, looking to seal this tie early on. Celtic’s dangerman has been somewhat of a revelation.

Kyogo Furuhashi has made headlines in the past week for scoring a hat-trick in Celtic’s domestic demolition job of Dundee. He became the first Celtic player to score a hat-trick on his home debut since William Fleming in 1924. His imperious form should be Jablonec’s main worry coming into Thursday’s fixture. Postecoglou’s gamble has been dropping frontman Odsonne Edouard from the starting lineup after a barren run in front of goal. However, it’s clearly paid off, with this young Celtic front line looking to continue their stay in the first team in the reverse fixture.

Jablonec’s Soap Opera

The main story coming from the Jablonec camp from this weekend is a rather bizarre one. According to several reports, during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Bohemians, the Jablonec owner, Miroslav Pelta, went into the official’s dressing room at half-time to apologise for the ‘irritated’ behaviour of manager Petr Rada in the first half.

With Jablonec clearly in disarray, it’s hard to look past Celtic advancing from this tie. Their faltering start seems to be behind them now, and with the wind in their sails coming into this fixture, I fully expect Celtic to dominate Thursday’s match.

Celtic should wrap this tie up with ease, and I can see them putting a fair few past Jablonec in front of a packed-out Celtic Park. That’s why I’m going with Celtic to be winning at both half-time and at full-time with bet365.

Bet HT/FT Celtic/Celtic on Bet365