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:
17. Odin Thiago Holm - Celtic - INELIGIBLE
A forgotten man at Celtic, he returned from a loan in the MLS last month, but looks destined not to wear the green and white again, with his return barely noted by supporters. He isn't included in the Europa League squad, unsurprisingly. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group