Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic will kick off at 17:45 tonight, Thursday 25th November in the BayArena. The match will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and Virgin TV Go.

Gerardo Seoane’s Leverkusen side comes into this game on top of Group G, three points clear of second place. This young team have been very successful and exciting this season as they sit in fourth place in the Bundesliga as well.

A win tonight could guarantee progression to the Round of 16 but the manager may rest some of their strong players with them playing RB Leipzig in a tough league tie at the weekend.

Ange Postecogclu has improved Celtic’s home form, now bringing them to within four points of Rangers in the Scottish league. Even though this is promising for the Glasgow side, it may be too late for them in Europe.

Celtic are one point behind second-place Real Betis but the Spanish team are playing bottom place Ferencvaros. The Scotsmen will need to claim at least a point or else their European journey could be over.

This is a very uncommon tie in recent European history. They only faced each other once before, which was earlier this season in the first fixture of the Europa League group stage. That tie does not build Celtic fans with hope as they lost 4-0 at home to the German team.

There is a lot more importance on this game so Celtic will try to come out all guns blazing in search of at least a point.

One word to describe this @CelticFC signing from 2005… #FlashbackFriday | #UEL pic.twitter.com/W9AzGNWikY

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 19, 2021

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic Probable Starting Teams

Bayer Leverkusen

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Hradecky (GK), Hincapie, Tapsoba, Tah, Frimpong, Diaby, Palacios, Andrich, Amiri, Alario, Wirtz.

Injuries / Suspensions

Baumgartlinger (Knee), Bakker (Ankle), Fosu-Mensah (Cruciate ligament), Demirbay (Red card)

Celtic

Formation

4-2-3-1

Probable Starting 11

Hart (GK), Juranovic, Carter-Vicker, Ralston, McGregor, Bitton, Jota, Turnbull, Abada, Furuhashi.

Injuries / Suspensions

Starfelt (Hamstring), Jullien (Knee), Taylor (Shoulder), Dembele (Ankle), Rogic (Hamstring)

𝗝𝗢𝗧𝗔

Saturday: Man of the Match
Monday: Player of the Month
Tuesday: Star of the Show?

𝑇𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤…#CelticChristmasAd pic.twitter.com/7yDMgZnvMY

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 22, 2021

Bayer Leverkusen v Celtic Match Betting

Bayer Leverkusen to win: 4/11

Draw: 4/1

Celtic to win: 13/2

Score Prediction

Leverkusen are the clear favorites to win this tie and secure their place in the knockout round and it would be hard to bet against them. Celtic have shown better form and have something to fight for but the Germans might be one step too far for them.

Expect this game to end 3-1 to Leverkusen, spelling the end of Celtic’s European journey this year.

Amine Adli vs Celtic

What will happen this time? #UEL pic.twitter.com/GWQtHH5ufG

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 23, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Europa League and international club football news, click here.

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The match kicks off at 20:00 tonight, Thursday, 30th September in Celtic Park.

Celtic have had an up and down start to this season. After seven games, they are in sixth place after three poor losses including one in the Old Firm Derby. They still only manage to be six points off top place with plenty of time to right their wrongs.

The Hoops have also not been so lucky in Europe after a thrilling 4-3 loss away to Real Betis two weeks ago.

They will be challenged immensely by a high-flying Leverkusen team. The German club sits in second place in the league after six games, only with one loss to Borussia Dortmund.

They got their European campaign off to a decent start after beating Hungary team Ferencvaros 2-1 in the last round.

This will be the first meeting of the sides in recent history with both sides rarely facing each other in European football. The return fixture will take place on 25th November in the BayArena in Leverkusen.

These two games will prove to be very important in the grand scheme of this group. Both teams will be fighting for the second-place spot now that Real Betis have made themselves firm favorites to qualify top-spot.

GOOAL! Jota with the assist for Albian Ajeti's goal against Betis!

His first assist for Celtic FC!

pic.twitter.com/0LKQ8EVKO4

— Benfica Youth 2 (@SLBenficaYouth) September 16, 2021

Predicted Starting Teams

Celtic

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Starting 11

Hart (GK), Scales, Carter-Vickers, Urhoghide, Starfelt, Turnbull, Rogic, McCarthy, Jota, Ajeti, Abada.

Injuries / Suspensions

McGregor (Hamstring), Julien (Knee), Giakoumakis (Calf), Taylor (Shoulder), Forrest (Knock), Juranovic (Hamstring), Dembele (Ankle), Furuhashi (Knee), Johnston (Knock)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Formation

4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting 11

Hradecky (GK), Sinkgraven, Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong, Aranguiz, Demirbay, Bellarabi, Amiri, Diaby, Schick.

Injuries / Suspensions

Tapsoba (Ankle), Palacios (Ankle), Baumgartlinger (Knee), Lomb (Finger), Kossounou Muscle injury), Fosu-Mensah (Cruciate ligament)

Jonathan Tah has officially signed his contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen until June 2025. The centre back was in Leicester City list months ago. #BayerLeverkusen #transfers pic.twitter.com/xnpmbRVWM0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2021

Betting

Celtic 11/4

Draw 27/10

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 10/11

Score Prediction

Injuries have really affected Postecoglou’s chances in this tie. Now missing some of their star players and stalwarts, it will be hard to see them winning even at home to a Leverkusen side in good form.

Expect this game to end 2-2 with both sides sharing the spoils in a tight, cagey affair.

Looking forward to this when Leverkusen come calling. Football can often exhibit a coarse & even brutal face but this is a thing of beauty… pic.twitter.com/upqaLrKTxA

— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog_09) September 24, 2021

To read more in-depth and up-to-date national and European football news, click here.

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Leicester will be looking to get off to a good start in the competition when they come up against Luciano Spalletti’s side who are currently unbeaten in Serie A.

Brendan Rodgers’ squad has no new injuries for the clash and the Northern Irish manager has provided updates on those reganing their fitness at the club.

Speaking from inside the King Power Centre at LCFC Training Ground on Wednesday, Rodgers provided an update on the condition of his Leicester squad.

Defenders Wesley Fofana (fibula) and James Justin (ACL) are the only long-term absentees at the club.

“We’re looking very good on the injury front,” the manager explained. “Most of the guys, apart from Wesley and James, are available or there to be in the squad.

“It’s such an important period because of the proximity of games. You’re going to need your players. Whichever team I put out, I look to get a positive result.”

Nampalys Mendy is also suffering from an injury with an unknown return date.

Their opponents, Napoli, are missing several key figures of their squad, including goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Full-back Mario Rui is not fit to feature for the side tonight while fellow left-back Faouzi Ghoulam will miss out.

Diego Demme has been sidelined with a knee injury since a friendly match in July while Slovakian Stanislav Lobotka will miss the Europa League clash after returning from the international break with an injury.

Lineups

Leicester City (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Perez, Ndidi, Soumare, Barnes; Iheanacho, Daka.

Subs: Ward, Söyüncü, Amartey, Thomas, Ricardo, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Tielemans, Albrighton, Maddison, Lookman, Vardy.

Napoli (4-3-3): Ospina; Malcuit, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Di Lorenzo; Fabian, Zambo Anguissa Zielinski; Lozano, Osimhen, Insigne.

Subs: Boffelli, Idasiak, Juan Jesus, Manolas, Zanoli, Elmas, Ounas, Petagna, Politano.

Odds

Leicester 7/5

Draw 5/2

Napoli 21/10

Where To Watch

Leicester – Napoli will be available to watch on BT Sport 2 with kick-off scheduled for 8 pm.

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Away fans were previously not permitted to attend fixtures in the qualifying rounds, including the play-off round.

In a statement by the FSE, the news was confirmed and is subject to local restrictions.

The FSE is an independent, democratic, & non-profit association of football fans and has members in over 45 UEFA nations.

The statement reads: “CONFIRMED: Return of away fans at UEFA club competitions.

“FSE can confirm that away fans will be permitted to attend European club competitions matches from next week. (local restrictions & travel requirement might still apply).”

The group had previously lobbied for away fans to be permitted to attend fixtures ahead of the 2021/22 season.

In their previous statement, the organisation said: “Football Supporters Europe (FSE) is opposed to a blanket ban on away fans at UEFA club and national team competition fixtures.

“International travel is currently permitted for many citizens in the UEFA region. Football fans should not be subject to specific exclusions, which amount to a form of unequal treatment.

“This view is shared by a number of clubs and other stakeholders.”

They used Dutch fans as an example after quoting AFC Ajax Chief Executive Edwin Van Der Sar.

“As things stand, however, a group of Dutch fans, for example, can visit France, go to a cinema, music festival, and sporting event together, but still be barred from attending their own club’s match in a stadium that is filled with home fans.

“FSE therefore believes that guidelines on away fans should be decided on a case-by-case basis in line with the local public health situation and advice of the relevant public authorities—which the overwhelming majority of fans have respected throughout the pandemic and fully understand are liable to change.

“We have communicated this position to UEFA and asked for a timely re-evaluation of its existing policy before the fixture list is announced so that fans have ample opportunity to make any travel-related decisions.”

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Champions League

The draw announced that League of Ireland (LOI) winners Shamrock Rovers will face SK Slovan Bratislava in Champions League qualifying.

The first leg will be played away on the 6^th or 7^th July. The return game will be in Tallaght on the 13^th or 14^th July.

The last time an Irish side faced the Slovakian champions was in 2019 when Dundalk lost 4-1 on aggregate in the third round of qualifying for the Europa League.

The second-round draw on Wednesday morning revealed that the winner of the tie would play against Swiss league winners BSC Young Boys.

As Ireland’s representatives in the Champions League, Rovers are already guaranteed €810,000.

The second-round draw also announced that Celtic will play against Danish club FC Midtjylland.

𝗨𝗘𝗙𝗔 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗚𝗨𝗘 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗪 |

Shamrock Rovers FC will face Slovan Bratislava in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League 1st Qualifying Round.

Rovers will be away in the 1st leg.

Dates & kick-off times TBC.#RoversInEurope pic.twitter.com/CT3KoY6kKT

— Tipperary Hoops (@TipperaryHoops) June 15, 2021

Europa Conference League

Ireland will have no sides in the first round of qualifying for the Europa League. Instead, the newly formed Europa Conference League will have three Irish teams competing.

The draw announced that club Bohemians will be facing Icelandic team Stjarnan in the first round.

Sligo Rovers will also play Icelandic opposition with FH Hafnarfjorour in their first European game.

After winning the FAI cup, Dundalk will face against Welsh team Newtown AFC.

The first leg of each of these matches will start on the 8^th of July and the return leg will be the following week on the 15^th July.

If Shamrock Rovers lose to their Slovakian opponents, they will be given a bye into the third round of the Europa Conference League qualifying.

Here are the results from the first Europa Conference League Draw?!#UECL pic.twitter.com/1np7SP4lF2

— UEFA Europa Conference League (@EuropaConLeague) June 15, 2021

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Brian Kerr has long been an advocate for equality in football – and society in general, of course. So, when the topic of Ondrej Kudela’s 10-game ban imposed by UEFA was brought up as a topic of discussion during Virgin Media Sport’s Europa League coverage, he didn’t hold back in voicing his opinion.

For context, Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela racially abused Rangers’ midfielder Glen Kamara during a Europa League Round of 16 tie. Kudela approached Kamara during a break in play, covered his mouth with his hand and whispered something – presumably of a racist nature – into Kamara’s ear. This sparked an immediate reaction from Kamara and fellow Rangers’ player Bongani Zungu which resulted in a scuffle between the two teams.

It was announced on Wednesday that Kudela was found guilty of racial abuse and handed a 10-game ban by UEFA, while Kamara received a 3-game ban for assaulting Kudela after the game.

“It’s disgusting in society, it’s disgusting in football and for far too long UEFA and FIFA as the authorities in world football have been miles too lenient,” said Brian Kerr on UEFA’s decision.

“This has gone on far too long, right around Europe. Groups like SARI for years have been trying to deal with UEFA and to get them to put out strong punishments to associations and clubs. Not just closing down sections of grounds, making them play away games for a long time. Really punishing them. Fining clubs and fining associations substantial amounts of money, so that they’ll put proper policies in place.

“We’ve seen an uprising recently in support for the Black Lives Matter movement and various rights around abuse and racism and the internet and how players have been abused. I’m glad, but it’s taken far too long for it to be recognised and for this uprising to take place in support of what’s only common decency and respect of all human beings.”

Host Tommy Martin and panellist Keith Andrews agreed with Brian Kerr’s sentiment, claiming UEFA’s punishment was far too lenient given the offence.

Slavia Prague were knocked out of the Europa League on the night, losing 4-0 (5-1 aggregate) to English side Arsenal.

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Matt Doherty’s performance against Wolfsberger AC in the Europa League round of 32 has earned himself a place in the team of the week. The Spurs right-back put in a solid performance as his team ran out 4-1 winners, assisting a goal in the process.

Up to now, Doherty has struggled for game time in the Premier League with Tottenham, instead being forced to settle for appearances in cup competitions.

Although the quality of opposition yesterday certainly wasn’t Premier League standard, Doherty’s performance will no doubt have impressed José Mourinho. Will it be enough to make the right-back spot his own, though?

The only other natural right-back at Spurs is Serge Aurier. However, his defensive inconsistency has casted doubts about his ability to firmly establish himself as a regular starter.

Japhet Tanganga is another option in the position. However, he primarily plays as a centre-back and also has very little experience at Premier League level.

Doherty could also do with a run of games to cement his position in the Ireland set-up. He struggled to find a place in the team when he was playing regularly – and very well – for Wolves, so his prospects of starting at the minute look slim, especially with Séamus Coleman fit and playing football.

Ireland begin their World Cup qualification campaign on the 24th of March against Serbia. European giants Portugal are also included in Ireland’s group.

This week’s star performers

Strongest area of the pitch? @FedExEurope | #UELTOTW | #UELFPZ | #UEL

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) FEBRUARY 19, 2021

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The Aviva Stadium was the setting as Dundalk took on Arsenal in their final Europa League game of this campaign. Having just won the FAI Cup at the weekend, the Lilywhites would have been in good spirits going into the game, despite being already eliminated from qualifying. They produced a respectable, spirited display but Dundalk finished the group stage with 0 points as Arsenal claimed a 4-2 victory.

Unfortunately for Dundalk, it didn’t take Arsenal long to get going. Eddie Nketiah found the net after 12 minutes. The goal came as a result of a mistake from defender Andy Boyle, his clearance was closed down by the Arsenal striker before he closed down on goal and finished calmly into the net.

They had their second just minutes later. This time it was a wonderstrike. Mohamed Elneny struck from well outside the box and the ball floated into the top corner, leaving no chance for Gary Rogers.

With the scoreline at 2-0 after 18 minutes, most would have expected a long night for Dundalk. That wasn’t the case, though. Dundalk didn’t panic and got their own back in the 22^nd minute. The goalscorer was Jordan Flores and it was a typical strike from him. He picked up a loose ball before playing a 1-2 with Michael Duffy and smashing into the back of the net from just inside the box.

Opportunities were few and far between afterwards, but Dundalk very nearly equalized in the dying embers of the first half. Darragh Leahy got on the end of a cross and his shot appeared to be goal bound, but it was blocked and went out for a corner which led to nothing.

The first half finished 2-1 to Arsenal but Dundalk should have been proud of their first half display. Despite being outclassed in the beginning of the game, they came back and didn’t look out of place despite the difference in reputation between the two teams.

Dundalk started the second as they ended the first by matching Arsenal in quality and producing a handful of decent attacking moves, albeit without any chances.

Their hard work was all but undone in the 67^th minute, though. Joe Willock scored for Arsenal after a succession of defensive mistakes/frailties from Dundalk. Despite not being a natural goalscorer, Willock also netted against Dundalk in October.

Arsenal got their 4^th of the night in the 79^th minute. Young striker Folarin Balogun was the scorer. He was afforded far too much space as he was playing in before he coolly slotted past Gary Rogers.

Dundalk deserved to decrease the deficit given their display on the night and they did so in the 85^th minute. Sean Hoare rose highest to meet a free kick with the back of his head which ended up in the back of the net.

The match finished 4-2 as Dundalk’s Europa League campaign ended while Arsenal advanced to the knockout stage. The scoreline was perhaps slightly harsh on Dundalk who remained competitive for much of the match.

FT: Dundalk FC 2-4 Arsenal ⁣
⁣
The curtain comes down on our UEFA Europa League Group B campaign – and an eventful season – with a spirited display against Arsenal at the Dublin Arena.⁣ The lads did us proud tonight. Great effort.

@sportsfile ⁣
⁣#CmonTheTown #UEL pic.twitter.com/teQF6bUfae

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) DECEMBER 10, 2020

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Irishman Shane Flynn could make his senior competitive debut for Leicester this evening. The 19-year-old has impressed for Leicester’s youth sides over the past couple of years, leading to his inclusion in the Foxes’ Europa League matchday squad to take on Zorya.

Bray Wanderers fans may be familiar with Flynn. He was academy product of the Wicklow club, making a handful of first team appearances before his move abroad.

Flynn can take inspiration from his compatriot Caoimhin Kelleher making his European debut for Liverpool yesterday. He produced a man of the match performance in the absence of regular first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson.

Leicester have already qualified for the knockout stages, meaning they may be willing to give some of their younger players a run out. There’s a good chance Flynn might feature tonight given 5 substitutions are permitted during this Europa League campaign.

For further information, we profiled Flynn as an Irish teenager to watch earlier this year.

Subs: Jakupović, Stolarczyk, Fofana, Nelson, Fuchs, Thomas, Flynn, Mendy, Leshabela, Albrighton, Maddison, Pérez.#UEL #ZrlLei

— Leicester City (@LCFC) DECEMBER 3, 2020

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UEFA have fined Dundalk €50,000 ahead of their penultimate group stage game against Molde on Thursday. The Lilywhites’ struggle during the Europa League campaign is signified by their position in the group. Currently sitting bottom of the pile with zero points in the lead up to the Molde clash.

And things have gone from bad to worse this week for the Irish side after UEFA issued a fine for “shadow coaching”. Head coach Filippo Giovanogli is prohibited from managing his side from the sideline as he does not have the required coaching qualifications. Despite this rule, Giovanogli’s presence on the touchline has been evident and last week UEFA acted upon the ruling by sending the Italian to the stands for the game against Rapid Vienna.

Dundalk’s opposition analyst, Shane Keegan, will continue to fill in as manager for the remaining European fixtures.

Molde vs Dundalk

Dundalk travel to Norway to take on Molde on Thursday evening. The Norwegian side sit in second place behind Arsenal, with six points. Hopes of qualification to the knockout stages are all but gone for Giovanogli’s men. Although mathematically there is still a possibility for progression, Dundalk’s goal difference leaves them with a mountain to climb. Arsenal, with four wins from four, travel to the Aviva Stadium in the final group game next week.

You can watch Molde vs Dundalk on Virgin Media Sport on Thursday, with coverage starting from 7.30pm.

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