Preparing for the winter break, the Kopenhagen players have been resting tired limbs ahead of Wednesday's game, although coach Ståle Solbakken is looking for one last flourish to maintain their unbeaten home record.
National pride is at stake as FC København entertain Group F leaders Celtic FC in their final home fixture. The Danish champions are out of UEFA Champions League contention following their 3-1 reverse at SL Benfica on Matchday 5, while the visitors are delighted with their first ever qualification from the group stage on their fourth attempt.
Bet on Kopenhagen v. Celtic FC at Bodog.com
Solbakken is set to recall fit-again winger Jesper Grønkjær and former Chelsea FC man. Jesper missed much of the campaign following the recurrence of a hamstring injury against Benfica on Matchday 1. He wants to raise the standing of Danish football by securing København's second group-stage victory.
"It's important for Danish football to get as many points as possible to help our UEFA co-efficient," said Grønkjær, who returned as a second half substitute in Lisbon. "The result away to Benfica was disappointing but we are playing in front of 40,000 fans and hopefully we can send them home with a win."
Bet on Kopenhagen v. Celtic FC at Bodog.com
Celtic might be through to next week's last-16 draw courtesy of their 1-0 success against Manchester United FC last time out, but they still have plenty to play for in the Danish capital. Despite a phenomenal home record which boasts a single defeat in eleven UEFA Champions League fixtures. The Glasgow club has yet to win on their travels. And with top spot also up for grabs assuming they match or better United's result at home to Benfica.
The Scottish champions are without Shaun Maloney, who was left behind to recover from an ankle knock, while teenage Dutch midfielder Evander Sno could also be rested as he is one booking from a suspension. Aiden McGeady and Thomas Gravesen return to the Parken Stadium for the first time since retiring from international football. They are the likely replacements as Celtic chases that elusive first away triumph.
Probable Teams
København: Jesper Christiansen; Lars Jacobsen, Brede Hangeland, Michael Gravgaard, Oscar Wendt; Michael Silberbauer, Tobias Linderoth, Hjalte Nørregaard, Atiba Hutchinson; Marcus Allbäck, Jesper Grønkjær.
Celtic: Artur Boruc; Paul Telfer, Bobo Balde, Stephen McManus, Lee Naylor; Shunsuke Nakamura, Thomas Gravesen, Neil Lennon, Aiden McGeady; Kenny Miller, Maciej ?urawski/Ji?í Jarošík.
København has nothing to really play for here but Celtic does. Even if the Danish do want to be the spoiler Celtic is riding high and needs the win. The road factor is my only doubt here, Celtic FC +135 at Bodog.com clears my doubts though. Your bet here folks is Celtic +135 and Draw +225 each for a unit. If København doesn’t spoil it for Celtic, they won’t spoil it for you.
