Celtic vs Sturm Graz Preview
Captain Callum McGregor admits life can be difficult at Celtic when things aren’t going your way.
The Hoops begin a crucial few days with a Europa League match at home to Sturm Graz tomorrow evening before the Scottish Premiership clash against leaders Hearts on Sunday.
Celtic are far from their best this season due to off-field discord – the club’s supporters have accused the board of a lack of ambition, particularly in the transfer market – compounded by a series of botched performances.
The latest came in a 2-0 defeat at Dundee on Sunday, a result which leaves Brendan Rodgers’ side five points behind Hearts heading into the weekend in Edinburgh.
“It’s a difficult football club to play at. I’ve seen that over the years,” McGregor told the Daily Record when asked to assess the current situation.
“We’ve had a lot of success, but it’s through hard work. There are no shortcuts.
“The reason we’ve been successful is because we’re willing to fight, stay together and be a team. It’s time for everyone to step up to the next level. I still have no doubt that we’re a good team and it’s going to click.
“We just need to click maybe faster than what it looks like at the minute.”
Victories against Sturm Graz and Hearts will change the musical mood and McGregor is determined to see that happen, adding: “We have to [win both games]. This is a challenge for the players and we will talk about it.
“At the end of the day, we have to talk on the field. It doesn’t matter if I come out and talk, if anyone else comes and talks, but we have to start showing why we are a good team and we can be the team that becomes champions.”
Celtic are yet to win in the Europa League after a dismal Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty.
They will face a Sturm side who have already claimed the scalps of half the Old Firm after beating Rangers in their last European match.
And for one of their players it will be an emotional moment when he steps out in Glasgow’s East End.
Sturm defender Emir Karic has a soft spot for Celtic and is relishing tomorrow night’s match. He said: “The atmosphere at Celtic Park is one of the best in all of Europe.
“Just thinking about it makes you start singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
“Even when the draw for the Europa League league stage was made, I was hoping we would 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 miss is Celtic Park.
“Remembering those games in Glasgow still gives me goosebumps all over my body.
“Scottish fans have a crazy mentality and are different from those across Europe. But you have to experience it once.”
Team news for Celtic against Sturm Graz
Celtic striker Daizen Maeda missed today’s training and is a major doubt with a hamstring injury, while full-back Alistair Johnston is unlikely to return.
Rodgers could announce the changes after the dismal performance at Dens Park.
Sturm will be without Oliver Christensen and Belmin Beganović.
Predicted line-ups for Celtic against Sturm Graz
Celtic: Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, McCowan; Forrest, Ihéanacho, Tounekti
Sturm Graz: Bignetti; Oermann, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic; Horvat, Gorenc-Stankovic, Chukwuani; Kiteishvili; Malone, Jatta
How to watch Celtic vs Sturm Graz: TV and online streams
Celtic v Sturm Graz kicks off tomorrow evening at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on TNT Sports and stream it through the Discovery+ app.
Statistics for Celtic v Sturm Graz
- Sturm Graz have won seven and lost two of their nine league matches this season.
- Sturm Graz have lost both of their European away matches this season – 5-0 at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League round of 16 and 2-0 at FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.
- Celtic have lost just one home game so far this season, recording four wins and two draws in all competitions at Celtic Park.
Prediction for Celtic vs Sturm Graz
The Austrian Bundesliga leaders will arrive confident and an early goal could spark further protests from the home crowd.
Prediction: Celtic 1-1 Sturm Graz
