This season, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League begins at the third round stage thanks to the introduction of a new competition.
There are 8 fixtures in total, one of which involves FK Jablonec of the Czech Republic and Celtic of Scotland. The first leg of their tie will take place at the Stadion Strelnice, giving the Czech’s home advantage.
📊 STATISTIKYZbývá ještě se ohlédnout za utkáním v Mladé Boleslavi pohledem statistik. Tým si výkon a výsledek rozebral. Teď už je potřeba přepnout na pohárový režim 💪⚽️💚#vprvnilinii pic.twitter.com/MVQwKr4ddU— FK Jablonec (@FKJablonec) August 1, 2021
📊 STATISTIKYZbývá ještě se ohlédnout za utkáním v Mladé Boleslavi pohledem statistik. Tým si výkon a výsledek rozebral. Teď už je potřeba přepnout na pohárový režim 💪⚽️💚#vprvnilinii pic.twitter.com/MVQwKr4ddU
FK Jablonec come into the match on the back of a disappointing 3-0 loss at Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Liga on the weekend. They fell behind after only 11 minutes of the match and conceded a second goal just 3 minutes later.
It was always going to be an uphill struggle from there and FK Jablonec conceded a third goal 11 minutes from time.
However, there is some positive news for FK Jablonec and they picked at maximum points in their first domestic game of the season as they defeated Baník Ostrava 1-0 at home.
It was a tight match and FK Jablonec scored the winning goal in the 88th minute.
FK Jablonec attempted to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League last season but were eliminated from the competition at the second qualifying round, losing 5-3 after extra-time against DAC 1904. Trends show FK Jablonec have won only one of their last 11 matches in the Europa League but have been tough to beat at home.
FK Jablonec are undefeated in 4 of their last 5 home Europa League fixtures, picking up draws against Ajax, Dinamo Kiev, Astana, and Pyunik.
Celtic have made an extremely disappointing start to this season and they were eliminated from the Champions League by Midtjylland in the second qualifying round. Having been held to a 1-1 draw at home, Celtic lost the away leg 2-1 after extra-time, despite the fact they opened the scoring.
Celtic started the Scottish Premiership season with an away fixture against newly promoted Hearts. Celtic found themselves 1-0 down after only 8 minutes but managed to score the equaliser 9 minutes into the second half. However, just when everyone expected Celtic to go on and win the match, Hearts scored the winner in the 89th minute.
Trends show both teams scored in all of Celtic's last 6 Europa League matches and the Scottish club have won only one of those 6 fixtures.
Team news and FK Jablonec should be at full strength for this game. The experienced duo of Martin Doležal and Vaclav Pilař are expected to play in attack and midfield respectively.
Celtic have doubts over the fitness of Christopher Jullien as the defender has been suffering from an injury. Ange Postecoglou has a decision to make in goal, with neither Vasilis Barkas nor Scott Bain impressing in the early stages of the season.
Celtic will begin this game as the favourites with the bookmakers but their form has been poor at the beginning of the season.
FK Jablonec were disappointing on the weekend but should raise their game and we could see this one end level, with 1-1 a possible final score.