Melbourne Victory v CelticWednesday, July 13
Melbourne Victory v Celtic
Celtic play the final game of their Australian tour since arriving two weeks ago. Following their jet-lag affected performance in the 1-0 defeat to A-league finalists, Central Coast Mariners, the Scottish giants were more like themselves in their second appearance, accounting for Perth Glory in a comfortable 2-0 win. Melbourne returned to pre-season training just last week as the A-League season is still over 10 weeks away. Melbourne has not played a competitive fixture since bowing out of the Asian Champions League, over two months ago!
In addition to lacking match practice, Melbourne are missing key player Carlos Hernandez after the club imposed a sanction on him following his late arrival from the US (trialled with Real Salt Lake). With fellow Costa Rican, Marvin Angulo, strangely released by the club, Melbourne are lacking creative options in midfield. Celtic boss, Neil Lennon, is likely to field his strongest line-up yet as his side prepare for the start of the domestic season in less than two weeks time. It is confirmed that Giorgos Samaras will captain the side while other regulars such as Majstorovic, Cha Du-Ri, Sung-Yong and Hooper are likely to start.
I feel the Scots will enjoy the atmosphere and pristine surface of AAMI Park Stadium, which is considered the best football-purposed stadium in the country. While the Scots are tying up their preparations for the long season ahead, Melbourne are just starting there's. Taking into account the class difference that already exists between the sides, Melbourne will be happy with a respectable defeat.
Pick: Celtic 1x2 @1.73 (william hill, 10 units)
Melbourne Victory 0 - 1 Celtic
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