Celtic are gearing up for matchday three of their Europa League against Sturm Graz.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are in desperate need of a win, having picked up just one point from their first two games against Red Star Belgrade and Braga.
With upcoming fixtures against the likes of Roma and Bologna, it feels essential that the side pick up points in a more winnable fixture against the Austrians.
But as we learned in the dismal 2-0 defeat against Braga, none of them are easy. This game coming just three days after a top-of-the-table clash against Hearts isn’t ideal.
And another one of their upcoming Europa League opponents, who will host the Hoops in a month’s time, have been caught up with their own issues tonight.
Feyenoord Europa League match delayed due to Storm Benjamin
Feyenoord are a familiar European opponent for Celtic, having faced them in the 2023-24 Champions League under Arne Slot.
They are now under the tutelage of Premier League legend Robin van Persie, and will host the Celts in Rotterdam on November 23rd.
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They were scheduled to face Panathinaikos tonight, with kick-off penned in for 5.45 UK time.
But with an amber weather warning set to hit the Netherlands today, the match was moved forward to 3.30 PM. Hoops fans will remember a Europa League afternoon kick-off against Ferencvaros in 2021.
In a bizarre twist, however, it has now been pushed back to 8PM, the same time as the Celtic clash. Locals have also been urged to take extra care if they plan on attending the fixture.
With the Greek side’s squad having already travelled for the game, it’s understandable that there is urgency for the fixture to go ahead. If it is to be cancelled, it could create chaos in a crowded schedule for the two sides.
Feyenoord are absolutely flying in the Eredivisie, winning eight of their nine games so far and drawing the other.
In Europe, it has been less successful. Losing the Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce, they have lost both of their Europa League outings so far, against Braga and Aston Villa.
After the Braga match, they were caught in a bizarre incident of public in-fighting between their captain and their manager.
Celtic’s other upcoming Europa League opponents
Celtic will need around 11 points from their remaining six games if they are to progress to the later stages of the competition.
Between their match tonight and their trip to Rotterdam is a clash with Midtjylland in Denmark – that fixture comes just four days after their Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers.
After that, it’s a glamour tie against Roma at Celtic Park, with the Italians currently fourth in Serie A. In the new year it’s Italian opposition again; an away meeting with Lewis Ferguson’s Bologna.
Celtic’s league phase concludes with a home match against FC Utrecht – the long awaited return to Celtic Park for a certain Vasilis Barkas.
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