Football - Celtic v Molde preview

Celtic v Molde preview

Celtic will be aiming to kick-start their Europa League campaign when they take on Molde at Celtic Park in a crucial Group A fixture

The Hoops are yet to win in the Europa League so far this season and last month's 3-1 defeat to Molde in Norway left them bottom of the group, with only two points from three matches. 

Their domestic form has been far more consistent, with Ronny Deila's side winning their last four in the Scottish Premiership, helping them to stretch their lead at the top of the table to six points. 

Despite being named as the Ladbrokes Premiership Manager of the Month for October, Deila will be looking for an improvement from his side on the European stage as they attempt to keep their hopes of qualification to the knockout phase alive. 

"It's a special game because it's an important game to win. It's a big game, but it was the same at the weekend," Deila said. 

"Every time we play it's a must-win match and that's great. You could be at a club where you win once and relax for a couple of weeks. Here we want to win trophies and do well in Europe. I really love it.

 

"We want to step up and show everybody what we are capable of doing. We have done that the whole week and now we need to get the best out of ourselves on the pitch.

"We deserved more against Fenerbahce and I think we played well down in Ajax, where we had control until we got a man sent off. The performance in Molde was way under our level and that is the most disappointing thing.

"We should have had more out of the other two matches but we need to perform at that level if we are going to beat Molde."

 

Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic is a doubt for the clash after picking up a foot injury in 3-1 victory over Aberdeen on Saturday. 

The Croatian will be assessed ahead of the match and could still be included by Deila. 

Captain Scott Brown remains out with a knee problem, while midfielder Charlie Mulgrew is still on the sidelines because of a thigh injury.