The Austrians have already beaten Rangers and are eyeing a Glasgow double ahead of their trip to Parkhead

18:30, 22 Oct 2025Updated 19:31, 22 Oct 2025

Celtic are back in Europa League action

After a disaster at Dens, Celtic could do with making home comforts count in their return to European action.

Sturm Graz are eyeing a Glasgow Europa League double after condemning Rangers to a 2-1 defeat in Austria last time out.

Heading to Parkhead to face a wounded Hoops side is a different task entirely however.

Brendan Rodgers‘ men can’t afford to have one eye on Sunday’s top of the table clash with Hearts at Tynecastle.

An opening night draw away to Red Star Belgrade was followed up with a 2-0 home loss to Braga, leaving the champions work to do if they are serious about making the knock-out stage.

Fans have not snapped up the Europa League ticket packages as part of their ongoing feud with the club board, and have vowed to spend nothing on food or merchandise at games to hammer their point home.

But another flat atmosphere could make life difficult for the players, especially without a fast start and an early goal.

Here’s how the Record Sport writers see this one going.

Michael Gannon

Celtic are struggling big time to break teams down and Sturm Graz will sit deep and look to get the ball forward quickly.

It’s a recipe for a difficult night for Celts and they might need to play cagey to avoid being picked off.

Celtic 0 Sturm Graz 0

Keith Jackson

These are potentially perilous moments for Scotland’s champions. Brendan Rodgers might be driving a clapped out Honda Civic but he has to get fuel back in Celtic’s tank and find a way of making it a far more smoother ride. Three points against average Austrian opposition feels like an absolute must.

Celtic 2 Sturm Graz 0

Craig Swan

Celtic are struggling badly for goals at the moment and Sturm Graz will look to hit on the counter and take advantage of a creaky backline. The Austrians will fancy themselves to score and that could see them land a point at Parkhead.

Celtic 1 Sturm Graz 1

Fraser Wilson

The Austrians were pretty ordinary against Rangers but, to be fair, Celtic have been average, at best, of late too. They can’t afford another home defeat for all manner of reasons, least of all their Europa League progression hopes. Graz appear to give up plenty of chances and Celtic must find their ruthless streak to get three points in the bag.

Celtic 1 Sturm Graz 0

Andy Newport

Brandan Rodger’s Honda Civic broke down at Dens Park and you have to wonder if the manager’s bizarre Ferrari analogy will offend the team he’s trying to jump start. Sturm Graz are certainly no supercar outfit but they motored off to an impressive win against Rangers last time out and might be able to put the brakes on Celtic this time.

Celtic 1 Sturm Graz 1

Scott McDermott

There has to be a reaction from Celtic’s players after their dismal defeat to Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday and expect Brendan Rodgers to make a few changes.

Graz weren’t brilliant against Rangers last time out and if Celtic can start fast, they should have too much for the Austrians. When Rodgers really needs a result, he usually gets one and that will be the case here again.

Celtic 2 Sturm Graz 0