Europa League / Richard Aikman / 04 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Hamburg have more than enough in their armoury to account for Celtic in Germany this week but backing goals is the way forward in this rematch, writes Richard Aikman.

"Celtic's replacement goalkepper Lukasz Zaluska has his work cut out to deny a Hamburg side who have scored five times in their last two matches."

Hamburg beat the Bhoys 1-0 at Parkhead a fortnight ago when the in-form Marcus Berg struck a sweet volley to put his side level on top of Group C and five points clear of Tony Mowbray's rock bottom side.

The result was hard luck on the SPL outfit, who gave as good as they got in Glasgow only to fluff their lines in front of goal before the Ice Berg's struck on 63 minutes. To compound their misery, Celtic are without star goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who has undergone knee surgery, leaving replacement Lukasz Zaluska with his work cut out to keep out a side who have scored five times in their last two matches.

Curiously, Hamburg only mustered one point from those free-scoring league games and Celtic, who have nothing to lose, will at least feel confident of beating Frank Rost, who has shipped six goals since the two sides met at Celtic Park.

The likes of Giorgios Samaras, Scott McDonald and Shaun Maloney all have goals in them and having resumed winning ways, albeit against Hamilton Academicals and Kilmarnock, the Scottish league leaders will feel that they have nothing to lose.

Mowbray makes no excuses for promoting attacking football and as Hamburg, who will be shooting on sight to test Zaluska, have a similar approach goals can be expected.

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Tags: Celtic, Europa League football betting, Europa League odds, Europa League tips, Hamburg, Richard Aikman, Tony Mowbray