Celtic will take on Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday, 23 October, in a match that appears to be close to a must-win for the hosts.
After two matches played in the Europa League this season, the Bhoys have only managed to accumulate one point, and a defeat here would leave them with a mountain to climb in respect to qualification.
Sturm Graz have already shown that they are capable against Scottish opposition this season, so this will be far from an easy match for Celtic.
As part of this week's round of Europa League betting tips, check out our Celtic vs Sturm Graz prediction below.
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Celtic vs Sturm Graz prediction: The visitors to avoid defeat
Key Stats
- Sturm Graz have already beaten a Scottish giant this season – a 2-1 triumph over Rangers.
- Sturm Graz have lost just one of their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Celtic's last five matches in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Celtic 1-1 Sturm Graz
While Celtic have a stronger squad than Sturm Graz, this is far from a vintage Celtic side and is probably the worst group of players Brendan Rodgers has had during his time at the club. Sturm Graz have plenty of momentum, and that could count for a lot against a team lacking in confidence.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic go in as favourites
- HOME: 11/20 (1.55) – 64.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 9/2 (5.500) – 18.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Celtic vs Sturm Graz odds are slightly surprising in that Celtic are priced as huge odds-on favourites despite their poor form. Ladbrokes have given the hosts a 64.% chance of winning the match, while Sturm Graz have been given just an 18.2% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first-ever competitive meeting
Thursday night will mark the first time that Celtic and Sturm Graz have ever played against each other in a competitive match. They did, however, meet in a friendly back in 2016, which Celtic won 1-0.
Celtic preview: Changes will be made
After an appalling defeat to Dundee at the weekend, Brendan Rodgers could make wholesale changes to his starting XI on Thursday night. Regardless of what he decides, Rodgers will be without Daizen Maeda, Paulo Bernardo, Alistair Johnston and Jota due to injuries, which makes it difficult to picture where any goals are going to come from.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Forrest, Iheanacho, Tounekti
Last five results
- Dundee 2-0 Celtic
- Celtic 3-2 Motherwell
- Celtic 0-2 Braga
- Celtic 0-0 Hibernian
- Red Star 1-1 Celtic
Sturm Graz preview: Kiteishivilli will be key
If Sturm Graz are to pick up a positive result on Thursday, then Otar Kiteishvilli will play a big part, you'd imagine. The attacking midfielder has notched eight goals in 11 apps this season and is a banker to start at Celtic Park. The Austrian side will be without Belmin Beganovic, Daniil Khudyakov and Oliver Christensen.
Predicted lineup: Bignetti (GK), Oermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Horvat, Gorenc-Stankovic, Chukwuani, Kiteishvili, Malone, Jatta
Last five results
- BW Linz 3-4 Sturm Graz
- Altach 0-2 Sturm Graz
- Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers
- Sturm Graz 1-0 Hartberg
- Midtjylland 2-0 Sturm Graz
Player to watch: Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho is running out of players to partner up with at the top of the pitch for Celtic, but the Nigerian is more than capable of playing well on his own. Iheanacho has scored three goals since signing for the club in the summer, but he will expect more from himself moving forward.