Celtic will look to do the unthinkable and turn around a three-goal swing as they visit Stuttgart in the second leg of the last 16 playoffs at the MHP Arena on Thursday (kick-off: 5.45pm UK time).
Martin O’Neill’s side head into the game with a mountain to climb if they are to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament after last week’s demoralising 4-1 first-leg defeat to Sebastian Hoeneß’s men, while they also suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Hibs in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
As for their hosts, Stuttgart enter the game on the back of an exhilarating 3-3 away draw with Bundesliga strugglers Heidenheim at the weekend. Despite taking a fifth-minute lead through Chris Fuhrich, they found themselves behind twice in the game before Denis Undav’s 88th equaliser ensured Die Roten took a share of the spoils. The game didn’t come without consequence, though, with one of their key players being forced off with a knee injury.
Ahead of the game at the MHP Arena, The Scotsman has all the early team news:
5. Auston Trusty - Celtic - AVAILABLE
Despite his sending off against Hibs at the weekend, the American defender is available to play with his suspension inly apply to domestic matches. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Angelo Stiller - Stuttgart - DOUBT
Stiller was forced off in the 78th minute of Sunday's 3-3 draw against Heidenheim due to knee injury and will need to be assessed. Head coach Sebastian Hoeneß says he is "hoping it isn't serious", but is a major doubt for Thursday's game in a big blow to the German side. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Kelechi Iheanacho - Celtic - DOUBT
Made his comeback from injury off the bench in last week's first leg loss against Stuttgart, but was not in squad for the weekend defeat to Hibs, meaning he is a doubt for this Thursday's game in Germany. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Lazar Jovanovic - Stuttgart - INELIGIBLE
Has been out with a back issue, and isn't expected to return until the end of the month. Misses the clash with Celtic due to ineligibility, though, after he wasn't included in the squad for the Europa League. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images