Celtic will aim to claim their maiden Europa League win of the season when they welcome Austrian titleholders Sturm Graz to Celtic Park on Thursday night.
Celtic vs Sturm Graz – Predicted lineup and team news
Celtic team news
Brendan Rodgers faces a late call on Daizen Maeda’s availability, with the Japanese forward undergoing further assessment ahead of the clash. Maeda, who netted 33 times last term, has seen a dip in form this campaign. He has only three goals so far but remains a vital component of Celtic’s attacking setup.
After the disappointing 2-0 defeat against Dundee last weekend, Rodgers is expected to refresh his starting lineup. James Forrest, Arne Engels and Michel Ange Balikwisha are all in contention to feature from the start, while Kelechi Iheanacho is likely to continue spearheading the attack. The Nigerian has scored three times this season, including the Hoops’ only Europa League goal in the 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade. His strike against Sporting Braga, which could have salvaged a point, was controversially disallowed for handball—though replays indicated the ball hit his face.
Celtic have struggled for consistency lately, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. They opened their Europa League campaign with a draw in Belgrade before falling to a 2-0 home defeat to Braga. On the domestic front, the Scottish champions have slipped behind in the title race, now five points adrift of leaders Hearts after their shock loss at Dens Park.
Celtic Predicted lineup
Predicted Celtic lineup: Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, McCowan; Forrest, Iheanacho, Tounekti.
How to watch Celtic vs Sturm Graz
Supporters in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning shortly before kick-off.
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