Rodgers relishing 6/4 Valencia battle

Updated: 23/09/2023
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admits he is excited for the “wonderful challenge” of facing Valencia when the two teams meet in the first leg of their round-of-32 tie in the Europa League (Celtic 11/5, draw 9/4, Valencia 6/4 – Match Odds).
A packed Parkhead will host the first game between the Scottish giants and Spanish outfit, with Los Che (16/1 – Europa League Outright) the slight favourites due to their European experience.
The Hoops (66/1 – Europa League Outright) come into the game in superb form, having won seven games in a row in all competitions. After a slow start to the Scottish Premiership, they are now six points clear of bitter rivals Rangers after 25 matches.
Marcelino’s Valencia are also on a good run of late after going five matches unbeaten in all competitions. They recently secured an impressive 2-2 draw against Spanish champions Barcelona and Rodgers is excited to test himself against one of the best teams in Spain.
He told BT Sport: “As you would expect from a team that has lost only four (league) games this season in a fantastic league, they are a very good side.
“They are historically one of the big clubs in Spanish football. They play a 4-4-2 system, with good movement – a very fast team, especially when they turn over the ball, and we will anticipate a really tough game. But it is a wonderful challenge for us.
“So it should be an amazing evening with the support and the atmosphere generated – and it is up to us to generate that for the supporters.”
Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney is out of the game with a hip injury but Oliver Burke appears to have overcome an ankle problem.
Emilio Izaguirre and Jozo Simunovic also return, but Olivier Ntcham, Filip Benkovic, Tom Rogic, Eboue Kouassi and Anthony Ralston all miss out because of injury.
Odds subject to change.
Relevant news

The Art of Football Betting: How to Make Money on the Game You Love
[table_list num="1" sort="rating" reviews="75917" big_table="false" logo_color_box="true" logo_aff_link="true" rating_percent="false" ][table_list_v2 sort="date" reviews="75917" show_rating="true" logo_aff_link="true"] Football is…

Top Tips for Successful Football Betting
Football betting is a popular pastime among sports enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're new…

Invincible Lauren says Arsenal WILL win the title
Invincible Lauren believes Arsenal will win the Premier League, says ecstatic celebrations against Bournemouth weren't…

Graham Stack’s Arsenal memories on selling fake Gucci clothes and more..
Graham Stack reminisces over selling fake clothes in the Arsenal car park and the first…

Stack backs Ramsdale
Graham Stack backs Ramsdale to displace Pickford as England No.1 imminently, Arsenal to win the…

Man United NEW Europa League FAVOURITES
Man United NEW FAVOURITES to win Europa League MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE LEAPFROGGED ARSENAL to head…
Login
Register