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FK Jablenec v Celtic predictions: Bhoys could have their progress checked

St Johnstone host Galatasaray in Europe

Celtic are aiming to bounce back from Saturday's defeat against Hearts
Celtic are aiming to bounce back from Saturday's defeat against HeartsCredit: Steve Welsh

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for FK Jablonec v Celtic in Europa League qualifying on Thursday.

When to watch

BBC Scotland & iPlayer, 4.45pm Thursday

Best bet

Draw in Jablonec v Celtic
1pt 13-5 bet365

Preview

Celtic could hardly have got the new season off to a worse start having lost their Scottish Premiership opener at Hearts on Saturday just days after being dumped out of Champions League qualification by Midtjylland.

Defeat to the Danes means the Hoops' chances of participating in European competition this season lie in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou's men enter the competition at the third qualifying round against Czech outfit Jablonec on Thursday with the victor then taking on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for a place in the group stage.

Another defeat would see Celtic drop down again to Uefa's new third-tier competition, the Europa Conference League, although Australian Postecoglou will not be contemplating that further embarrassment and will likely field the best side available to him as he seeks a confidence-boosting success.

Opponents Jablonec finished third in the Czech top flight last term and have started the new season with one win and one defeat.

They are not the most expressive unit but conceded less than one goal on average per game last term and given that Celtic are still finding their way under Postecoglou, there may be some value in backing the Czechs to ensure the tie remains all-square heading to Glasgow next week.

Celtic are not the only Scottish Premiership side in Europa League action on Thursday with a match against Turkish giants Galatasaray being St Johnstone's reward for their double cup triumph last season.

Beating Gala will obviously be a tough ask so it is no surprise to see the Saints chalked up at double-figure odds to win Thursday's first leg in Istanbul.


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Matthew IrelandRacing Post Reporter

Published on 4 August 2021inFootball tips

Last updated 17:23, 4 August 2021

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