Scottish champions Celtic welcome Austrian champions Sturm Graz to the Celtic Park in a fascinating match-day two clash as they look to get their Europa League campaign back on track.
Ayomide Oguntimehin looks ahead to the October 23rd clash.
Celtic vs Sturm Graz Match Preview
Celtic failed to reach the group phase of the UEFA Champions League after suffering a Shock elimination to minnows Kairat Almaty. They began their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Red Star Belgrade, before a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Portuguese side Braga in their second match.
The Hoops are currently in 29th place and outside the qualifying spots for the knockout rounds and need to get their campaign back on track with a win in this encounter.
💬 “It’s a team of good players, good young manager and it’ll be a good test for us.”
🗞️ Brendan Rodgers: We’re looking forward to latest Europa League test#CelticSCBraga | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 2, 2025
Sturm Graz, on the other hand, have won one and lost one of their two games so far in the Europa League. They began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Denmark heavyweights Midtjylland.
The Austrian side bounced back in their second match, defeating a Scottish side Rangers 2-1, to record their first win of the European campaign. They currently occupy the 22nd position and will be eyeing a favorable result from this encounter to continue their rise up the table.
Celtic vs Sturm Graz Head-to-Head Record
- 03.07.2016 – Sturm Graz 0-1 Celtic (Club friendly)
This will be a first-ever competitive meeting between both clubs.
However, Celtic claimed bragging rights when both sides met in a friendly match in 2016, defeating their Austrian side by a lone goal. Sturm Graz have already defeated a Scottish side this season and will be eyeing consecutive wins over an opponent from the country.
Recent Form: Celtic
Celtic have been fairly inconsistent in recent outings, with just three wins from their last seven games in all competitions. The Hoops suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Dundee FC this past weekend, highlighting their poor run of form.
Despite this, the Hoops have a solid home record, with their only defeat in their last 11 at the Celtic Park coming against Braga in their last European outing.
Defeat at Dens Park.#DUNCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/UHC5kjfb83
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 19, 2025
Recent Form: Sturm Graz
Sturm Graz have improved their performance in recent matches and are currently on a four-game winning streak. They have won eight of their ten matches in all competitions this season, losing just two.
The Austrian champions also failed to score in both of their defeats and were beaten in their last away European game.
Also wer heute nicht gealtert ist, hat den Fußball nie geliebt! Wir gewinnen eine völlig verrückte Partie in Linz mit 4:3! 🤯 #sturmgraz #AdmiralBL #BWLSTU
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BWL 3:4 STU |⏱️90+6′ pic.twitter.com/YmALX0wCvP— SK Sturm Graz (@SKSturm) October 19, 2025
Player to Watch: Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic)
Kelechi Iheanacho has been impressive since his arrival at the Celtic Park in the summer, netting three times already this season.
The Super Eagles star has proven to be a threat in the box, and his impressive linkup plays with teammates will be very important in unlocking the visitors’ defence.
Boniface, Iheanacho and three other shock African transfers of the summer 2025
Best Betting Odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.21 (via betway)
Prediction
The last three matches for both sides have been high-scoring affairs and with Celtic determined to return to winning ways, their attack is expected to turn up, making this clash a strong option for more than two goals.
