Both of these European nights look like open, high-event games. In each one the two teams create more than they prevent, the back lines are short of bodies, and the table says both sides need points. Neither should be content to sit back.
Celtic against Besiktas: Celtic keep the ball and shoot a lot at home, yet they sit bottom of the league phase with nine conceded in three games. Their back line is missing Johnston and van den Berg, who have been absent for each of the last five games, so this is a settled hole. Besiktas have a thin midfield and a suspended centre-back, but they score most weeks and produce much of their chance quality after the break, as at Hoffenheim. An early Celtic push or a Besiktas goal against the run both lead to a game that opens up. That's why I'm on goals here.
Anderlecht against Salzburg: both teams hold roughly even possession and create real chances at both ends. Anderlecht were hit 0-4 at Gent with their centre-backs out, and Salzburg are without three defenders. Both sit near the bottom of the table, so whoever scores first forces the other to chase. I'm backing goals again.
