ARSENAL VS CELTIC LATEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING TIPS

Arsenal have drifted a touch northwards in terms of the betting odds at 888sports for their rapidly approaching Champions League qualifier with Celtic in Glasgow. Currently listed at evens to take the outright victory, Arsene Wenger has announced his intention to quell the heated atmosphere he expects at Celtic Park this evening. It will be difficult to repeat their weekend heroics at Everton, slotting six goals past the beleaguered Tim Howard. Judging from bookie feedback, however, Celtic are proving a popular option in the betting markets and a slim Arsenal victory is likely what the bookmakers are banking on. You can back Celtic and the draw at 4/5, while Arsenal -1 at 5/2 is proving to be a very popular wager. In terms of the correct score betting there hasn't been much fluctuation. The favoured outcomes remain 1-0 Arsenal and a 1-1 draw. A 2-1 margin to Arsenal pays out at 15/2 while 3-0 pays out an enticing 20/1. I fancy Celtic to score, however, so I will not be backing Arsenal to win to nil. Even 3-1 pays 16/1 which is good enough for me. A 2-1 victory to Celtic pays out at 12/1 and that's likely the margin should they manage to pull off a home win. Celtic will be looking to avoid away goals, so they will likely keep it tight in the first half. Arsenal to win both halves pays out at 9/4 while draw/Arsenal looks like 4/1. I think, for the value play, draw/Arsenal is a solid selection. Eduardo and Robin van Persie are the favoured goalscorers at 6/4 with Andrey Arshavin just behind at 13/8. Nicklas Bendtner is a straight 2/1 while Carlos Vela sits at 11/4. Theo Walcott carries a 10/3 price while Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere are well-priced at 7/2. I would also suggest keeping my eye on Thomas Vermaelen at 9/1 anytime (a monstrous price) who struck on the weekend. I think Vermaelen could be just what the doctor ordered here against a Celtic defence that may not concede from open play. Sometimes the first leg of a high-profile qualifier draw can be about something special, likely from a set-piece. I think he's Arsenal's biggest threat in the air. For Celtic's goalscoring payouts, I suggest looking at Georgios Samaras at 11/4 with Scott McDonald at 2/1. Aiden McGeady is at 4/1 and is a solid bet to score. SCORECAST TIP: Why not push hard on this one? Thomas Vermaelen to score first and Arsenal 1-0 at 110/1. Vermaelen to score and a 1-1 result pays a titanic 180/1.