Feyenoord and Celtic meet on Thursday evening in a crucial Europa League clash between two sides battling outside the qualifying places in the league phase.
Feyenoord sits 29th with three points from four matches, while Celtic sits at 27th with four points, and both clubs enter the game under pressure to revive their campaigns.
Feyenoord posted a photo of their player preparing for the game via their official X account.
View the post below:
Feyenoord’s European inconsistencies have been a sharp contrast to their domestic form, and their challenges have been evident since their early-season European setbacks, including a recent 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Now sitting outside the top 24 with four matches remaining, Robin van Persie’s side knows this clash with Celtic could determine the fate of their continental ambitions.
Match Preview
Feyenoord’s European results have been far less convincing; they have struggled in Europe, managing only one victory from four league-phase matches.
Softfootball understands that Givairo Read, who has been in fine form this season, is already attracting interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Feyenoord enter Thursday night’s clash needing a reset and a statement performance.
Celtic, meanwhile, have endured a turbulent start to the season marked by poor results and the resignation of Brendan Rodgers. Their early Europa League campaign brought just one point from their first two games, and league defeats to Dundee and Hearts intensified the pressure at Celtic Park.
Rodgers eventually stepped down, leading to the return of Martin O’Neill as interim manager. Under O’Neill, Celtic have responded well, winning four of their last five matches
Team News
The hosts could be missing several key figures, with Jordan Bos, Justin Bijlow, Gernot Trauner, Givairo Read, Jakub Moder and Cyle Larin all dealing with injuries.
Feyenoord’s attackers, Anis Hadj Moussa, Sam Steijn, Leo Sauer and Ayase Ueda, have been excellent in the Eredivisie, and Van Persie will hope they can finally carry that form into Europe.
Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi are all doubts for Celtic.
Callum McGregor is expected to anchor the midfield with Reo Hatate and Arne Engels. Daizen Maeda and Sebastian Tounekti should keep their places, while Yang Hyun-Jun may start ahead of Johnny Kenny.
Possible Lineups
Feyenoord (4-5-1)
Wellenreuther; Nieuwkoop, Ahmedhodzic, Watanabe, Smal; Valente, Timber; Moussa, Steijn, Sauer; Ueda
Celtic (4-3-3)
Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Hyun-Jun, Maeda, Tounekti
Softfootball’s Prediction
Feyenoord’s attacking talent should make them dangerous, but their defensive issues, conceding at least twice in four of their last five matches, keep this fixture wide open. Celtic’s improving form under O’Neill suggests they can take advantage, and an entertaining score draw looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Feyenoord 1-1 Celtic
