Helsingborgs indifferent domestic form

Helsingborgs IF are sixth after 17 games in the Swedish Allsvenskan, seven points off Elfsborg and Malmo, who ended Scotland’s interest in the Champions League last season.  Our opponents clearly play it tight on the road, they have lost only eight goals away from home, considerably fewer than anyone else in the league (Malmo: 19), although their home goals for and against are not unusually low (scored 14 to Malmo’s 16 at home, conceded nine to Malmo’s one).

Helsingborgs have lost only three league games, fewer than anyone else.  Four draws from nine home games appears to have cost them most ground in the title race.

Celtic can expect to face a tight defence who are well versed at shutting teams out in the second leg in Glasgow where they will need the creative talents of Kris Commons with perhaps Paddy McCourt p[laying a role.  A big European-night atmosphere at Celtic Park will be invaluable.