Celtic will go head to head with Ajax in a must-win Europa League game at Parkhead on Thursday night as they fight for second spot in Group A. The Scottish giants have been playing in the Europa League, but this campaign under Deila has been less than fruitful as the club are in danger of failing to reach the round of 32.
he Bhoys have not won any of their four games in the group, recording two draws and two defeats, the latest of which came in the form of a 2-1 loss to Molde, who have already qualified for the next phase of the competition.
Deila may have overseen just one defeat in 15 Scottish Premiership games this season, but there are still question marks as the team were frustrated in a goalless draw against Kilmarnock at the weekend.
The Norwegian manager has put a lot of emphasis on playing the âCeltic wayâ â an entertaining style of football, but it has resulted in the teamâs defence struggling as they have conceded 11 goals in the league and nine in four Europa League games.
Frank de Boerâs side sit one point above bottom-placed Celtic in Group A, so have a better chance of snatching the second qualification spot, but they will need to gain all three points at Parkhead in order to help their chances.
It was a positive start for Ajax as they fought back to claim a point from their opening group match against Celtic, and they had a similar result when they came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw away to Molde.
However, since then, the Dutch team have lost 1-0 to Fenerbahce and failed to strike in a stalemate at home to the Turkish club.
A positive note for Ajax is that they are flying high in the Eredivisie as they currently sit at the top of the league table and are unbeaten in their last five games.
Match facts
- Ajax are undefeated in last five matches in Netherland League Eredivisie. They sit on the top of the table with 10 won matches and 32 points.
- In last five matches in Eredivisie, Ajax sxcored 17 goals and conceived only 3.
- In Europa League Group A, Ajax lost only one match, while conceding 4 goals.
- Celtic are first in Scotland Premiership with 11 won matches and 36 points.
- Celtic are undefeated in last 8 matches in Premiership.
- In last five matches in Premiership, Celtic scored 13 goals and conceded only 2.
- In Europa League Group A, Celtic lost two matches and conceded 9 goals.
Head to head
The two sides have played one another nine times in three different competitions â the European Champions Clubsâ Cup, the Champions League and Europa League.
Prior to Septemberâs 2-2 draw in Amsterdam, the last time that the two clubs met was in 2013 when they gained a win apiece in the group stage of the campaign.
Ajax earned a 1-0 win on home turf, while Celtic claimed a 2-1 triumph in Glasgow, but overall, the Scottish club edge the head-to-head record with four wins compared to the Dutch clubâs three.
Four of the nine matches played have ended in draws, while both sides have scored 12 goals each during their meetings.
Team news
Ronny Delia will be without Nir Bitton and Stefan Johansen for this fixture, while Commons is in doubt.
Anwar El Ghazi, Riechedly Bazoer and Daley Sinkgraven all missed their 5-1 victory over Cambuur at the weekend through injury and remain doubts for the trip to Glasgow on Thursday night.
Thulani Serero could also miss this match against Celtic.
Possible Line-ups
Celtic possible starting lineup: Gordon; Lustig, Boyata, Simunovic, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton; Commons, Rogic, Armstrong; Griffiths
Ajax possible starting lineup: Cillessen; Tete, Veltman, Riedewald, Dijks; Klaassen, Gudelj, Serero; Younes, Milik, Fischer.
From : Sofascore.com
