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Celtic vs Red Bull Salzburg: Europa League match preview, team news, confirmed line-ups, plus more

The Scottish champions know a draw will be enough to reach the knockout stages of the competition

Celtic must avoid defeat against Salzburg on Thursday night to qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League.

Their Austrian opponents travel to Celtic Park with a 100 per cent record in Group B, which means they will finish top regardless of the result.

 Celtic head into the game in fine form
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Celtic head into the game in fine form

Whereas Brendan Rodgers' side, who currently lie second, still have some work to do with Leipzig lurking three points behind.

The Bhoys are unbeaten in their last ten games, having reclaimed the top spot in the Scottish Premiership after a shaky start to the season.

However, they did slip to a 3-1 defeat when they travelled to Salzburg in October.

What the managers are saying

Brendan Rodgers (Celtic): “It is unworkable (to play for draw), as a coach, a manager. Especially when your game is based around an offensive game and aggressive game.

"Our intent is always to go and win."

 Rodgers insists his team will not play for a draw
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Rodgers insists his team will not play for a draw

Marco Rose (Salzburg): "It is clear that Celtic need a point but we want to play a good game so Celtic have to earn that point because we will give everything."

Team news

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is taking a break from football in order to deal with personal issues and Dedryck Boyata is still out with a hamstring injury.

Left-back Kieran Tierney returns after missing the 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock with a groin problem.

 Tierney is available after a minor groin injury
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Tierney is available after a minor groin injuryCredit: Getty

Confirmed line-ups

Celtic: Gordon, Lustig, Benkovic, Simunovic, Tierney, Forrest, McGregor, Rogic, Sinclair, Christie, Edouard.

Subs: Bain, Izaguirre, Brown, Hayes, Morgan, Ntcham, Ajer.

Salzburg: Walke, Lainer, Ramalho, Onguene, Ulmer, Mwepu, Samassekou, Wolf, Junuzovic, Minamino, Dabbur.

Subs: Stankovic, Prevljak, Daka, Gulbrandsen, Leitgeb, Pongracic, Todorovic.

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