Preview: Celtic vs. FK Baumit Jablonec - prediction, team news, lineups

Celtic will be looking to make it three wins from three in all competitions when they take on FK Baumit Jablonec in the second leg of their Europa League third-round qualifier on Thursday.

The Hoops take a two-goal advantage into the clash at Parkhead, with a playoff tie in the next round against AZ Alkmaar awaiting the winner.

Match preview

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Ange Postecoglou is now beginning to enjoy life as Celtic boss after a successful week both domestically and in Europe, with his side winning two games and scoring 10 goals in the process.

The Hoops won the first leg of their Europa League qualifier 4-2 in the Czech Republic last Thursday, before claiming an emphatic 6-0 victory at home against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Summer signing Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored against Jablonec last week, also scored a hat-trick against the Dark Blues on his home debut in front of 24,500 jubilant Celtic supporters. Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston and Odsonne Edouard were also on the scoresheet at Parkhead, to help the Hoops claim their first league win of the new campaign.

Postecoglou hailed an "incredible" debut for his new Japanese addition, but was just as impressed with the forward's work ethic and defensive efforts as much as his clinical finishing in front of goal.

Celtic now switch their focus back to their European tie, which they can take plenty of confidence into, knowing that even a defeat by a one-goal margin would still see them progress to the next round.

However, Postecoglou will want his players to build momentum and to not take their foot off the gas as the Australian aims to build a strong run of form before the first Old Firm derby of the season in just over two weeks' time.

Advancing from the third qualifying round will see Celtic face Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in the final playoff round of the Europa League, though a defeat on aggregate will see the Hoops demoted to the inaugural Europa Conference League.

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Despite trailing by a two-goal margin, Jablonec can take some belief into the second leg, after posing a threat on several occasions in the final third last Thursday.

The Galacticos created a number of chances and had 15 shots on Celtic's goal, and another threatening display will be required in midweek if they are to outscore their Scottish opponents, who themselves have found their form in front of goal.

Since the first leg, Jablonec played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at home to Bohemians 1905 in the Czech top flight on Sunday.

Petr Roda's men were trailing up until the 77th minute when they then scored twice in six minutes to turn the game on its head. However, the hosts were unable to claim all three points as they conceded a 94th-minute penalty.

Jablonec head into the second leg on Thursday, having previously qualified for the Europa League group stages only once before in 2018.

Roda's side seemingly have a steep mountain to climb and will need to be on top of their game if they are to have any chance of progressing to the next round.

Team News

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Celtic will still be without forward Leigh Griffiths and defender Christopher Jullien, who continue to recover from respective calf and knee injuries.

Summer signing James McCarthy has been training with his new teammates since arriving from Crystal Palace and he could be in the matchday squad on Thursday, though the Irish midfielder is unlikely to be handed a start.

After impressing in a central striker's role last weekend, Furuhashi is set to keep his place in the first XI ahead of Edouard, with James Forrest and Liel Abada the most likely candidates to join the Japanese international in a three-man attack.

As for Jablonec, Roda is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, though this could be interchangeable to adopt a solid five-man midfield when required.

Experienced winger Vaclav Pilar, who scored in the first leg as well as in last weekend's league match, is set to start on the left flank, with Tomas Malinsky to operate on the right and Martin Dolezal expected to lead the line in attack.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Ralston, Bitton, Starfelt, Taylor; McGregor, Soro, Turnbull; Abada, Furuhashi, Forrest

FK Baumit Jablonec possible starting lineup:
Hanus; Holik, Kubista, Zelezny, Krob; Povazanec, Houska; Malinsky, Kratochvil, Pilar; Dolezal

We say: Celtic 3-0 FK Baumit Jablonec

The first goal on Thursday could be crucial in this tie; if Celtic score the opener it should be enough to confirm their place in the next round, but if Jablonec find the net first, a nervy contest could be on the cards for the Hoops.

However, we feel that Postacoglou's men will have no problems in claiming a comfortable win, with more goals set to be celebrated at Parkhead.