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:
1. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Celtic – INELIGIBLE
The England international won’t play any part at the MHP Arena after not being included in Celtic’s squad for the Europa League playoffs. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Jeff Chabot – Stuttgart – SUSPENDED
Enjoyed a real battle with Tomas Cvancara in last week’s first leg at Celtic Park, but won’t feature in the return game after picking up a suspension for the yellow card he received last week. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Arne Engels – Celtic – OUT
The Belgian midfielder is facing several weeks out with a thigh injury he picked up against Livingston earlier this month. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Justin Diehl – Stuttgart – INELIGIBLE
The youngster is currently struggling with adductor problem and would have been a doubt for the game, had he been included in Stuttgart’s squad for the competition. He won’t play against due to ineligibility. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images