1st Leg – 0:2
Stjarnan square off against Scottish champions Celtic in the 2nd leg of the second round Champions League qualifiers at the Samsung völlurinn on Wednesday night and the Icelandic side have it all to do in order to progress as they head into the clash with a two goal deficit.
Stjarnan Match Betting News
Stjarnan managed to defy the odds last season by claiming their first ever Urvalsdeild title and have earned their right to contest for a dream UEFA Champions League place this season.
However, things have been anything but smooth sailing for Stjarnan during the current campaign as they have struggled so far domestically and their hopes of becoming the first ever Icelandic team to reach the third round of the Champions League qualifiers is in jeopardy after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic in the 1st leg away from home.
Therefore the task ahead of Stjarnan heading into the second leg is certainly a mammoth one but they will surely be looking to give the Scottish side a good fight in a stadium which is not the most welcoming for opposition teams.
If indeed Stjarnan are to progress, midfielder Halldor Bjornsson will surely need to have a good game on the night.
Celtic Match Betting News
Having suffered an embarrassing double exit from the Champions League qualifiers last season, Celtic are determined to make amends during the current campaign and they got off to a good start with a 2-0 victory over Stjarnan.
The margin of the victory could and should have been even bigger but the Scottish side will be heading into the 2nd leg in Iceland in confident mood. That said Ronny Deila knows that his side cannot afford to be complacent as he is desperate to avoid another embarrassment in Europe.
Kris Commons is still out injured with a broken toe and Leigh Griffiths will be the man leading the attack for Celtic once again.
Stjarnan vs Celtic Match Prediction
It is hard to see Celtic squandering a two goal advantage against a Stjarnan side who are struggling at the moment.
Nonetheless, the Samsung völlurinn is a difficult ground to play in due to the artificial pitch and Celtic would be wise not to underestimate their opponents.
Match Betting Tip: Celtic to win @1.44 at Bet365
