Match Overview

The third-round encounter of the 2025/26 general stage will feature Celtic (Scotland) against Sturm Graz (Austria). The match is scheduled for October 23 at Celtic Park in Glasgow. This preview offers a detailed prediction, betting tips, odds, and statistics for the Celtic vs Sturm Graz fixture.

Celtic’s Current Form

Brendan Rodgers’ side faced a 0-2 home defeat against Braga in the previous round. This marks only Celtic’s second loss in their last six Europa League fixtures (with 3 wins and 1 draw), and it’s also the first time they failed to score during this period. Furthermore, the team has conceded at least two goals in four of their last five European cup matches. The Scottish club currently holds one point, placing them 29th in the tournament standings.

Celtic’s Home Statistics

• The club’s uncompromising home streak in the Europa League stands at 22 matches (13 wins, 9 losses).
• At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of the team’s last 6 home matches in this European competition.
• The Scots have scored no fewer than two goals in 5 of their last 7 home games in the Europa League.

Celtic’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)*

Kasper Schmeichel – Kieran Tierney, Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Colby Donovan – Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Benjamin Nygren – Daizen Maeda, Sebastian Tounekti, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Team News: Celtic Injuries

Defender Alistair Johnston, midfielder Paulo Bernardo, and forwards Daizen Maeda and Jota Neves are currently sidelined due to injuries.

Sturm Graz’s Recent Performance

In their last fixture, Jürgen Säumel’s squad secured a 2-1 home victory over Rangers, breaking a streak of four consecutive goalless defeats in the Europa League. This was also only the second time in their last ten European encounters that the team managed to score more than one goal. The Austrian side has accumulated three points and sits in 22nd place in the overall group stage standings.

Sturm Graz’s Away Statistics

• The club has not won in 9 of its last 10 away matches in the Europa League (2 draws, 7 losses).
• The team failed to score in 6 of its previous 8 away games in this European competition.
• No more than two goals were scored in 7 of Sturm Graz’s last 10 away matches in the Europa League.

Sturm Graz’s Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)*

Oliver Christensen – Emanuel Aiwu, Jon Gorenc-Stankovic, Dimitri Lavalée – Tim Ehrmann, Tomi Horvat, Otar Kiteishvili, Tochi Chukwuani, Emir Karić – Belmin Beganović, Maurice Malone.

Team News: Sturm Graz Injuries

Goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov, defender Aryan Malić, and forward Belmin Beganović are all unavailable due to injuries.

Match Official Profile

Juan Martínez Munuera (Spain)

This Spanish referee has officiated 8 international matches during the 2024/25–2025/26 seasons. Across these games, he has issued 39 yellow cards (including second yellows), averaging 4.9 per match, and 1 red card. He averages 24 fouls per match, with penalties awarded in 38% of games.

Expert Match Prediction

Playing on their home ground, the Scottish side typically adopts a bold and attacking style of football. This aggressive approach enables Celtic to score frequently; in their last 14 home Europa League matches, they have only failed to find the net twice. Moreover, in nine of these fixtures, the team managed to score at least two goals against their opponents.

Sturm Graz’s Away Struggles

Sturm Graz has consistently found away matches in European competitions challenging, with their defensive frailties being a primary concern. In their last 14 Europa League away fixtures, the Austrian team has only managed to keep a clean sheet on one occasion – against Polish side Raków. Furthermore, over eight of these matches, the club allowed their opponents to score at least two goals.

Betting Tip

Given Celtic’s strong attacking performance at home and Sturm Graz’s defensive vulnerabilities on the road, I anticipate an effective offensive display from the Scottish team, leading them to score at least two goals. My prediction is: “Celtic Total Goals Over 1.5” with odds of 1.57.

* For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.