Celtic last played in the Amsterdam Arena in 2013 under former boss Neil Lennon in the Champions League where the Celts lost 1-0. This is how Celtic lined up that evening:

 Forster, Izaguirre, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Samaras, Stokes (Boerrigter 73), Commons (Pukki 81), Mulgrew, Lustig, Kayal (Ledley 77), Forrest.

In the home tie Celtic ran out 2-1 winners with goals from James Forrest and Beram Kayal.

This will prove a very difficult tie for Celtic, Ajax have won four of their last five European home games, the exception being a 3-2 loss to SK Rapid Wien in this season’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

Celtic have failed to score in their last two European away games, and have won only two of their last 15 European away fixtures.

The last time Celtic won in Amsterdam was in August 2001 when Bobby Petta, Didier Agathe and Chris Sutton got on the score-sheet with Celtic comfortable 3-1 winners.

petta

Celtic Manager Ronny Deila spent time at the Amsterdam ArenA studying Ajax’s methods during his time as Strømsgodset boss. Something which might help the team on Thursday night.

Celtic could hand a debut to new signing Jozo Simunovic for the tie.

A draw would be a great result for Celtic if they could pull it off but they will have their work cut out for them. With limited options up front it will be interesting to see if Ronny opts for Ciftci or Griffiths up-front. Leigh obviously gives you more chance of goals but Ciftci’s hold up play could take the pressure off Celtic at certain points in the game.

 

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