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Preview for Celtic v Sturm Graz
Captain Callum McGregor admits life can be tough at Celtic when things aren’t going for you.
The Hoops start a crucial few days with a Europa League game at home to Sturm Graz tomorrow night before the top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash at leaders Hearts on Sunday.
Celtic have been a long way from their sparkling best this season with off-field disharmony – the club’s fans have accused the board of a lack of ambition, particularly in the transfer market – added to by a series of sloppy performances.
The latest came in a 2-0 defeat at Dundee on Sunday, a result that leaves Brendan Rodgers’ side five points adrift of Hearts ahead of the weekend stramash in Edinburgh.
“It’s a tough football club to play for. I’ve seen it over the years,” McGregor told the Daily Record when asked to assess the current situation.
“We’ve been very, very successful but it’s because of hard work. There’s no shortcut.
“The reason why we’ve been successful is because we’re willing to fight and stick together and be a team. It’s time for everyone to step up a level. I’ve still got no doubt that we’re a good team and it will click.
“We just have to click maybe quicker than what it looks like at the minute.”
Wins against Sturm Graz and Hearts will change the mood music and McGregor is determined to see it happen, adding: “We have to [win both games]. That’s a challenge for the players and we’ll speak about it.
“Ultimately, we have to do our talking on the pitch. It’s alright me coming out and talking, anyone else coming out and talking but we have to start showing why we’re a good team and we can be the team that goes on to be the champions.”
Celtic have yet to win in the Europa League after a dismal exit from the Champions League at the hands of Kairat Almaty.
They will face a Sturm side who have already claimed the scalp of one half of the Old Firm after seeing off Rangers in their last European tie.
And for one of their players, it will be an emotional occasion when he steps out in the East End of Glasgow.
Sturm defender Emir Karic has a soft spot for Celtic and is relishing the game tomorrow night. He said: “The atmosphere at Celtic Park is one of the best in all of Europe.
“The thought of it makes you start singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’
“Even when the draw for the Europa League’s league phase was made, I hoped we’d play Celtic away. The draw was kind. I’m incredibly excited.
“I was actually in Glasgow with my school. I saw Rangers at Ibrox and also watched a Scottish international match at Hampden Park.
“So for me, all I am missing is Celtic Park.
“Remembering those games in Glasgow still gives me goosebumps all over my body.
“The Scottish fans have a crazy mentality and are different from those in all of Europe. But you have to experience it once.”
Team News for Celtic v Sturm Graz
Celtic striker Daizen Maeda missed training today and is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury while full-back Alistair Johnston is unlikely to return.
Rodgers could ring the changes following the dismal showing at Dens Park.
Sturm will be without Oliver Christensen and Belmin Beganović.
Predicted line-ups for Celtic v Sturm Graz
Celtic: Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, McCowan; Forrest, Iheanacho, Tounekti
Sturm Graz: Bignetti; Oermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic; Horvat, Gorenc-Stankovic, Chukwuani; Kiteishvili; Malone, Jatta
How to watch Celtic v Sturm Graz: TV and online streams
Celtic versus Sturm Graz kicks off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on TNT Sports and stream it via the discovery+ app.
Stats for Celtic v Sturm Graz
- Sturm Graz have won seven and lost two of their nine league fixtures this season
- Sturm Graz have lost both European away games this season – 5-0 at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League playoff round and 2-0 at FC Midtjylland in the Europa League
- Celtic have lost just one home match so far this season, recording four wins and two draws in all competitions at Celtic Park
Prediction for Celtic v Sturm Graz
The Austrian Bundesliga leaders will arrive in confident mood and an early goal could spark more protests from the home crowd.
Prediction: Celtic 1-1 Sturm Graz
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
