Celtic will look to secure a Europa League playoff spot as they welcome FC Utrecht to Parkhead this Thursday (kick-off: 8pm).
Currently in 24th spot in the table after last week’s battling 2-2 draw with Bologna, they sit on nine points from their first seven League Phase games, meaning Martin O’Neill’s side are on course to secure a playoff place.
The hosts head into the game knowing a win will secure qualification for the playoff round, although a draw or a defeat will leave them sweating on other results at the end of matchday eight. If they are to seal a top 24 spot, though, they’ll need to do it without Reo Hatate (suspension) and new signings Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo (ineligible).
Their visitors, FC Utrecht, enter the game having already been eliminated from the competition. Having lost six and drawn one of their League Phase games, the Dutch outfit are playing for no more than pride in their final Europa League game of the season.
Ahead of the game at Parkhead, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
9. David Min - FC Utrecht - OUT
The Dutch frontman is out with an ankle injury he suffered in late-November. | Getty Images
10. Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic - INELIGIBLE
Removed from the club's Europa League squad after picking up a long-term Achilles injury, the big American is expected to miss the rest of the season with the issue. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Marcelo Saracchi - Celtic - DOUBT
Has missed the last seven weeks of football with a hamstring problem, but has been spotted back in training this week and could be in line for a return to the matchday squad on Thursday. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. Mike Eerdhuijzen - FC Utrecht - DOUBT
Taken off just 13 minutes into the weekend defeat against Sparta Rotterdam, the centre-back is a doubt for the game with a thigh injury. | ANP/AFP via Getty Images