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Celtic host FK Jablonec on Thursday in the second leg of the third round of UEFA Europa League qualifying.
Celtic had a very tough campaign last season and it looks like their struggles have continued into this season.
The Scottish giants crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers in the second round after losing 3-2 on aggregate to FC Midtjylland. Celtic, however, have a chance at European football with the Europa League qualifiers.
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FK Jablonec had their first taste of European football in the 2018-19 season as they competed in the group stage of the Europa League. The Czech club will be looking to return to the competition but will need to beat Celtic to advance.
Celtic vs FK Jablonec Head-to-Head
Celtic and FK Jablonec met for the first time in the first leg of their qualifiers last Thursday.
The game ended 4-2 with goals from Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi giving the visitors an early two-goal lead. Vaclav Pilar reduced the deficit for FK Jablonec in the first half before James Forrest restored a two-goal lead for Celtic in the second half.
An own goal from Nir Bitton saw FK Jablonec once again half the deficit before Ryan Christie scored a fourth for Celtic.
Celtic Form Guide: W-W-L-L-L
FK Jablonec Form Guide: D-L-L-W-W
Celtic vs FK Jablonec Team News
Celtic
Christopher Julien is unavailable for the game as the defender has been out with a long-term injury since last year.
Karamoko Dembele and Michael Johnston are also unavailable as both men sustained injuries during pre-season. Leigh Griffiths is a doubt for the game as he is also struggling with an injury.
Injured: Christopher Julien, Karamoko Dembele, Michael Johnston
Doubtful: Leigh Griffiths
Suspended: None
FK Jablonec
FK Jablonec have no injury worries ahead of the game on Thursday. Manager Petr Rada will have a fully fit side to select from.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Celtic vs FK Jablonec Predicted XI
Celtic Predicted XI (4-3-3): Joe Hart, Anthony Ralston, Nir Bitton, Carl Starfelt, Greg Taylor, Ismaila Soro, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, Liel Abada, Ryan Christie, Kyogo Furuhashi
Jablonec Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Jan Hanus, David Stepanek, Jakub Martinec, Jaroslav Zeleny, Jan Krob, Jakub Povazanec, Dominik Plestil, Vojtech Kubista, Milos Kratochvil, Vaclav Pilar, Martin Dolezal
Celtic vs Jablonec Prediction
Celtic have completed the most difficult part of the tie with a 4-2 win away from home. With the second leg set to be played at Celtic Park, the Scottish side will be confident they can get through. They have scored 16 goals in their last three home league games and have conceded none.
Jablonec are not in the best of form ahead of the game this Thursday. The Czech side are on a three-game winless run and that should stretch to four against Celtic.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 FK Jablonec
