Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two camps who are desperate to skyrocket their way into the Europa League knockout stage spots on Thursday evening, Feyenoord will welcome Celtic to De Kuip.
Feyenoord
Starting with the hosts, marking their return from November’s international break with yet another worrying performance over the weekend, Feyenoord find themselves at the heart of what has become a public rut. Eventually falling to a worrying 4-2 loss at home against Nijmegen, it appears that Robin van Persie has some serious pressure mounting on his shoulders at De Kuip. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Go Ahead Eagles, the former Arsenal skipper has seen his downbeat squad lose all of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-3. Continuing to show some worrying defensive issues, Feyenoord have also lost four of their last five outings. Putting just a single clean sheet on the board since the end of September, the Dutch heavyweights are bracing themselves for a must-win showdown here.
Feyenoord Team News
Dealing with what has quickly become a stacked injury lost at De Kuip, Feyenoord will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Jordan Bos, Thomas Beelen, Jaden Slory, Shiloh Zand and former Brighton star Jakub Moder. Handed a full rest against Nijmegen over the weekend, Canadian international Cyle Larin could be handed a full recall.
Reportedly attracting plenty of Premier League interest over the summer, midfield talisman Quinten Timber will play a leading role in the middle of the park. One of the only positive notes at De Kuip this season and notching 13 goals in as many Eredivisie appearances, Japanese international Ayase Ueda will spearhead van Persie’s attack.
Celtic
As for the visitors, while Martin O’Neil might have only made a shock return to Glasgow earlier in the month, Celtic are certainly enjoying life under the former Aston Villa boss. Despite being last seen in Europa League action falling to a downbeat 3-1 defeat away at Midtjylland, the Scottish icons have won each of their other four appearances across all competitions. Putting a maiden Europa League victory on the board last month as they snatched a 2-1 victory against Strum Graz, Thursday’s guests will be desperate to spring a heavyweight European upset here. However, landing a 1-0 win away at St. Mirren over the weekend, O’Neil’s temporary squad have gained an unwanted reputation for their issues away from Celtic Park. Including another 3-1 loss against domestic rivals Heats on October 26th, the Hoopers have registered just a sole win from any of their previous five showdowns outside of Glasgow.
Celtic Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season and still sidelined with a long-term knee injury, Celtic will be unable to call upon Portuguese ace Jota on Thursday evening. Likewise, one-time Tottenham youngster Cameron Carter-Vickers is still recovering from an Achilles tendon issue and will not travel to the Netherlands.
Firing Scotland to next summer’s World Cup finals over November’s international break, former Arsenal star Kieran Tierney will start at left-back. Despite still waiting to open his Europa League account this season, 22-year-old Johnny Kenny should keep his spot leading the line.
Feyenoord vs Celtic Key Factors to Consider
- When Feyenoord and Celtic last met for a European showdown back in December 2023, the Hoops collected a 2-1 Champions League victory in Glasgow.
- Along with losing their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-2,
- Feyenoord have also lost four of their last five outings across all fronts.
- Celtic have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Japanesse international Ayase Ueda has recorded 13 goals in as many Eredivisie appearances this season.
- Feyenoord have conceded 13 goals in their previous six appearances at De Kuip across all formats.
Conclusion
Two camps who will be desperate to skyrocket their way into the Europa League knockout stage spots on Thursday evening, we look set for what is a crucial European showdown here. With Feyenoord remarkably losing four of their last five matchups across all competitions, the Dutch giants have also continued to show some glaring defensive issues. Including a 4-3 drumming at home against Nijmegen over the weekend, van Persie’s men have shipped 13 goals in their previous six appearances at De Kuip.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet