Our live stream ahead of Thursday nights Europa League match, Celtic vs Lille is now up and running, kicking off at 20.00 BST
You can keep an eye on the commentary as it happens below, but first, we take a preview into the fixture, lineups, predictions and much more…
Celtic come into the game following a poor run of form of five games without a win. They suffered another disappointing result on Sunday as they had to come from behind to draw 1-1 at home to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
The pressure is starting to build on Neil Lennon, whose side have won just two of their last twelve games in all competitions, however, was backed publicly by the board this week.
They’ve stated that they believe “Neil and his management team are best placed to turn the team’s performances around” and that “progress will be reviewed in the new year.”
Lille, on the other hand, come into the game having secured a slender 2-1 victory over Monaco last weekend. Second-half strikes from Jonathan David and Yusuf Yazici earned the French side their seventh league win of the campaign.
Unbeaten from their last five matches in all competitions, Lille are just two points behind Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1 and face the French champions in just a few weeks’ time.
This will be the French side’s first ever European away match in Scotland and a victory at Celtic Park would be enough for Lille to top Group H ahead of AC Milan in second place.
When the two clubs met in France in October, Celtic let go a 2-0 lead to end up drawing, securing their only point so far in Europe this season…
PRESS CONFERENCE:
Neil Lennon
On players not understanding the importance of a 10th title…
“It’s certainly not the case at all. It’s not true and they are certainly feeling it and they are certainly disappointed.”
“So for anyone to accuse our players of not understanding or not caring is way, way off the mark.”
On getting the backing of the board…
“I think it sort of settles everyone down. I know it settles the players down, for sure.
“They are really happy about that, thankfully from my point of view. It’s full steam ahead. We just need to try to get some consistency and wins now.
“For me, there’s not an awful lot of work that needs to be done. Just that little bit of confidence. That little bit more of forward-thinking, a little bit more freer in expression.
“We’re just feeling a little bit anxious at times on the pitch. I get that. I’ve been there as a player myself.
“But they can play through it and that’s the one thing they have to do – train and play through it.
“Wednesday was vibrant and we’re hoping we can go out (on Thursday) and put in a performance against Lille and then take it from there.”
“We’ve some big games to look forward to this month. We’re looking forward to putting a run together and a fresh start in the new year.”
On strengthening the squad in January…
“We certainly need to add to the squad in a couple of areas and that’s what we want to do,”
“We want to identify those positions and try to get players in. It’s a bit early yet and obviously January is a difficult month to do business in but we will endeavour to do that.
“It could go right to the end of the month as it always does in these transfer windows.”
“We have had a couple of long term injuries to players in specific positions in James Forrest and Mikey Johnston.
“So you are looking at wide players to augment what we already have.
“We are only talking, whether it’s permanent or a loan, to bolster that sort of area.”
FORM:
Celtic Europa League form: LDLLL
Celtic form (all competitions): WDLLLD
Lille Europa League form: WDWDW
Lille form (all competitions): LWDDWW
LINEUPS:
Celtic possible starting lineup:
Barkas; Abd Elhamed, Bitton, Duffy, Taylor; Brown, Turnbull, Ntcham; Christie, Klimala, Griffiths
Lille possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Djalo, Fonte, Botman, Reinildo; Ikone, Andre, Soumare, Bamba; Yilmaz, David
SPORTSMOLE PREDICTION:
We say: Celtic 0-2 Lille
Lille have won both of their Europa League away matches in Group H, scoring seven goals in the process. The French side look stronger than their Scottish counterparts, who are likely to rest a few key players, and they should come away with another three points.
Celtic vs Lille Live Match Stream
Time to take a look at our Celtic vs Lille live match stream as it happens…
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