David Flower
Dailysports's expert
Celtic
Chelsea FC Women
One of the key matchups in the third round of the Women's Champions League group stage is set for Wednesday in Hamilton, where Celtic will host Chelsea at New Douglas Park. Here’s a preview of the game and a recommended bet on the outcome with favorable odds.
Match Preview
Unlike their men’s team, Celtic’s women’s squad doesn’t hold a dominant status in Scotland. Only last season did they claim their first league title, making their presence in the Champions League a notable achievement for the “Green and Whites.” Celtic showed resilience in the qualifiers, defeating Finland’s KuPS, Lithuania’s Gintra, and Vorskla. However, their group-stage campaign has been rocky so far, with a 0-2 loss to Twente in the opener, followed by a heavy 0-4 away defeat to Real Madrid. Celtic’s start in the Scottish league this season has also been mixed, currently sitting in fourth place, two points behind leaders Glasgow City after 12 rounds.
Chelsea’s women’s team has continued to dominate the English Super League, clinching their fifth consecutive title last season. The London club also reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, narrowly missing out on the final after a close contest with Barcelona. With the departure of longtime manager Emma Hayes, the esteemed Sonia Bompastor, formerly of Lyon, has taken the helm. Under her guidance, the “Blues” began their European campaign on a high note, with thrilling victories over Real Madrid (3-2) and Twente (3-1). In the Super League, Chelsea recently dispatched Liverpool 3-0 on the road, currently sitting second, just one point behind Manchester City.
Probable Lineups
- Celtic: Dougherty; Lourenco, Clark, Hayes; Cross, Ross, Ashworth-Clifford; McGregor, Agnew, Noonan
- Chelsea: Hampton; Bronze, Bright, Buchanan, Baltimore; Cuthbert, Nüsken, James; Rytting Kaneryd, Reiten, Ramirez
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Chelsea has won their last 14 matches across all competitions.
- Seven of Celtic’s recent matches have seen the “Both Teams to Score – No” bet hit.
- Chelsea’s last seven games have all featured at least three goals.
Prediction
Bookmakers are heavily favoring a Chelsea victory, though the odds for a Chelsea win are negligible at 1.02. Instead, our recommended bet is “Total Over 3.5 Goals” with odds at 1.65.
