Celtic v Sturm Graz
Celtic

Celtic vs Sturm Graz

, KO: 20:00 , Celtic Park
Sturm Graz

Celtic's season is in danger of unravelling and they desperately need a win against Sturm Graz to boost morale and spark their Europa League campaign into life.

The Hoops have banked just one point from two games in Europe after following up a 1-1 draw at Red Star Belgrade with a dreadful 2-0 home loss against Braga.

They are also struggling domestically, with Sunday's shock 2-0 loss to Dundee leaving them five points behind early SPFL Premiership pace setters Hearts.

Brendan Rodgers' men travel to Tynecastle on Sunday for a season-defining match and could do with a lift against Graz before that huge game.

But the Austrians have already beaten Celtic's bitter rivals Rangers in the Europa League this season, bringing up two bets for Greg, and will be confident of piling on the pain.

A thrilling 4-3 win at Blau Weiss Linz on Sunday made it four wins in a row for Graz but they did lose 2-0 away to Midtjylland in their Europa League opener.

So it will be interesting to see if Jurgen Saumel's side have what it takes to do an Old Firm double in Europe.

How the bookies view it: Celtic still hot favourites

Despite their poor run of form and that home loss to Brag, Celtic are still 8/15 heavy favourites with BoyleSports. Sturm Graz look overpriced at 5/1 and the draw pays 3/1.

Head to head: More Austrian woe for Hoops?

These sides have never faced off before but Celtic have a terrible record against Austrian opposition. In 12 games against Rapid Vienna, Red Bull Salzburg and Wacker Innsbruck, the Hoops have won just twice.

Players to watch: Iheanacho the focal point

Kelechi Iheanacho let me down on Sunday after I tipped him to score at Dens but he still looks the most likely scorer for Celtic. The Nigerian had a perfectly good goal controversially ruled out against Braga and is 6/4 for anytime scorer at BoyleSports.

Otar Kiteishvili scored a lovely goal against Rangers and the Georgian now sits on seven for the season. He will fancy his chances against Celtic's defence and is 7/2 for another goal.

Probable line-ups

Daizen Maeda is a doubt for Celtic after missing out at the weekend but Alistair Johnston could get some game time after returning to fitness.

Sturm Graz could be without keeper Oliver Christensen after he was forced off with an injury at the weekend.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Sarachhi, McGregor, Engels, Nygren, Tounekti, Iheahancho.

Sturm Graz: Bignetti, Oermann, Karic, Lavalee, Aiwu, Stankovic, Kiteishvili, Horvat, Chukwuani, Beganovic, Malone.

Anything else catch the eye?

I'm surprised to see Sturm Graz at such a big price after Celtic's wretched weekend display. There could be some value in backing the Austrians in the double chance at 6/4 while BoyleSports price them at 13/8 in the one goal ahead market. That pays out if they take the lead at any point.

Even when Celtic are playing poorly they still rack up plenty of corners and a bet in those markets salvaged something for me on Sunday.

Six of their last seven games have hit double figures for corners and over 7.5 Celtic flag kicks looks decent at 7/5 with BoyleSports. Celtic -3.5 in the corner handicap also appeals at 21/20.

Graz should be a threat on the counter attack and Celtic stopper Liam Scales is prone to a rash challenge. It could be worth backing the Irishman for a card at 10/3 with Bet365.

Tomi Horvat was a threat against Rangers and isn't shy to have a shot. The Graz midfielder looks overpriced for an effort on target here at 2/1 with Bet365.

Celtic vs Sturm Graz Betting Tips & Predictions
Sturm Graz one goal ahead market
13/8
Boylesports
Celtic -3.5 corner handicap
21/20
Boylesports
Tomi Horvat over 0.5 efforts on target
2/1
Bet365
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