Celtic take on Real Betis early Thursday evening in Seville in their Europa League group opener.
The hoops don’t have their troubles to seek when it comes to call-offs; captain Callum McGregor is missing, Liel Abada, Greg Taylor, James Forrest, Kyogo and some of our new signings are not fit enough at this moment.
It makes life difficult for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou but I think he’s used to that by now!
So what do you need to know ahead of this tie?
The game kicks off at 17:45 UK time and will be aired live on BT Sports 3.
VAR will be used throughout the tie, below are the UEFA appointed officials for this evening:
Referee – Fran Jović (CRO)
Assistant referees – Hrvoje Radić (CRO), Luka Pušic (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee – Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee – Stéphanie Frappart (FRA)
Fourth official – Mario Zebec (CRO)
Match facts:
Celtic have won seven of their 32 UEFA matches against Spanish opposition, but none in Spain, where their record is D3 L13.
The two clubs have never met in a competitive tie.
Betis are unbeaten at home in the UEFA Europa League group stage (W3 D3) and have conceded just one goal in those six games – in a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in 2018/19.
Predicted Starting XI
Celtic have a lot of players out and a reshuffle will be in order.
Here’s how we think Ange might line up.
Ralston coming back in after missing the weekend game against Ross County. Juranovic moved over to the right to replace the injured Greg Taylor. Jota moved to the right to replace Abada and Montogomery playing attacking left-mid.
Soro in the middle for Callum McGregor although it could easily be James McCarthy if the manager deems him fit enough.
It’s going to be a tough night for the bhoys but the manager will hope his patched-up side can spring a surprise.
What ever happens we have been here before nothing is won or lost after one game,if we get some thing from game great..