Champions League Matchday One Preview

[Hammer]

Can The Bhoys Shackle The Great Danes?

Celtic's Champions League campaign for season 2008/09 kicks off in earnest this evening against Danish champions Aalborg BK at Parkhead.

Not a great deal is known about the Danish side other than they were the conquerors of FB Kaunas at the third qualifying stage last month, after the Lithuanian cracks had knocked out Rangers in the previous round.

Founded in 1885 and managed by the experienced Bruce Rioch, Gordon Strachan will be fully aware of the danger posed in taking any side at this level of European competition lightly. Especially one managed by the wily Scot, Rioch, who has also had notable spells at the helm of a number of top English clubs including Middlesbrough, Bolton, Wigan and Arsenal.

The main danger men Celtic will to have look out for this evening should be;


Jeppe Curth - the former Danish Under 21 international who was the leading scorer in the league last year with 17 goals.


Marek Saganowski - The on loan Southampton hitman is an international colleague of Artur Boruc and a striker of considerable finishing prowess when on form.


Andreas Johansson - The Swedish international midfielder that makes AaB tick. He has played in the Premiership previously with Wigan and holds a wealth of experience at the top level.


The fact Celtic kick off this evening against the apparent whipping boys of the group has done nothing to ease the mind of the manager;

“Last season we had Shahktar Donetsk who were the fourth seeds and we saw how good they were,” Gordon Strachan said. “In the same way, Aalborg will say they’re playing the third seed and it’s probably the best chance they’ve got of getting an away victory as well, so I’m sure both sides will be positive and try to get a victory."

Celtic will be hoping their 100% record from their previous 6 home games manifests itself into a magnificent seven this evening.