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Celtic travel to the Ukraine hoping to improve on a dreadful Champions League away record. This is now the fifth time the Scottish Heavyweights have participated in the group stages, and the stats show that they have collected only a solitary point out of a possible 36. Of course there was the memorable performance in Milan earlier this year, where Strachan's charges took the eventual winners all the way to extra time. Something similar may be required here, given Shaktar's impressive home record in this competition. The big-spending Ukrainian Champions are unbeaten since 2004, which co-incidentally was the last time these two sides met - Shaktar ran out comfortable 3-0 victors. Since then, Mircea Lucescu's men have more than held their own against such heavyweights as Valencia and Roma.

FORM

Both clubs are currently dominating their domestic leagues, as we would expect given their resources. Both were given a scare in the qualifiers, but eventually came through unscathed. Celtic needed penalties to see off Spartak Moscow, whilst Shaktar left it late to dispose of Red Bull Salzburg of Austria. The relevance of recent results against the likes of Inverness, St Mirren and the mighty Chronometers is contentious but I'll put the league form up anyway.

Shaktar:

Sept 15 v Chronometers (a) WON 2-1

Sept 1 v Arsenal (h) WON 4-1

Aug 25 v Tavriya (h) WON 2-0

Aug 19 v Metalist (a) WON 3-1

Celtic:

Sept 15 v Inverness CT (h) WON 5-0 Sept 2 v St. Mirren (a) WON 5-1

Aug 25 v Hearts (h) WON 5-0

Aug 19 v Aberdeen WON 3-1

TEAM NEWS

Shaktar Captain Dmytro Chygrynskiy is suspended, with Darijo Srna is likely take his place. Prolific Serie A marksman Cristiano Lucarelli will be eager to prove his worth on Europe's biggest stage, while Nery Castillo could play some part after his summer move from Olympiakos. The Mexican International was outstanding in this summer's Copa America, bailing out his under-performing teammates on several occasions. Other key performers include dead-ball specialist Srna, pacy wing-back Ilsinho and creative midfielder Fernandinho. Gordon Strachan has no fresh injury worries. Paul Hartley could come into the midfield alongside Scotland teammate Scott Brown, after his impressive performance at the Parc De Princes, The snappily-named Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is likely to be given the nod upfront.

CONCLUSION

A lot of the pre-match talk from the Celtic camp has involved the qualifying victory over Spartak Moscow. It seems a little strange to me that Celtic are grasping at that particular straw so fervently. Shaktar are a much stronger side than Spartak. I suppose any half-decent result away from Parkhead is cause for much celebration these days.

If Shaktar have a weakness it's in defence. It remains to be seen how Strachan will approach things. He's not a coach who believes in the 'you start a game with a point' philosophy, if previous group stage encounters are anything to go by. It could just be that Scotland's brave backs-to-the-wall performance in Paris may have rubbed off a little. Alternatively, memories of the credible showing in Milan may also prove an inspiration. I'd rather buy into the theory that this is, on paper, Celtic's easiest away fixture of the three, therefore the fiery Scot will be looking for more than just a point. That could spell trouble against the attacking talents of Lucarelli, Castillo and co.

In a straight footballing contest, Shaktar should have too much for Celtic, and anything around Evens is a backable price. For a speculative saver, try a small bet on the 2-2 result. As mentioned above, Shaktar's backline is not the most reliable, and this score line came up twice in three of their home games at this phase last season. Celtic twice stunned the Old Trafford faithful in their group opener last year, and are capable of similar here if they set their stall out to attack. There is a strong temptation to take Over 2.5 goals at odds-against, but it would probably be best waiting for team news before getting involved.

RECOMMENDATION: 4pts Shaktar at 2.06. (Betfair) 0.25pts 2-2 at 16/1 (General).

Ilunga