Celtic vs Ferencvaros: Europa League Opener Preview, Team News, Form & Predictions

Celtic welcome Hungarian champions Ferencvaros to Celtic Park on Thursday night for Round 1 of the UEFA Europa League league phase. Both sides kick off their continental campaign under the lights in Glasgow, with Martin O'Neill's men looking to rebound from domestic disappointment and establish early momentum in Europe.

Match Overview & Current Form

Celtic come into this clash having suffered a 3-0 defeat to rivals Rangers in the League Cup on September 13. Prior to that setback, the Hoops had built a strong run of domestic form in the Scottish Premiership, picking up consecutive victories against St. Johnstone (1-0), St. Mirren (2-1), Aberdeen (3-0), and Falkirk (2-1). O'Neill's team will be desperate to put their weekend loss behind them and restore Celtic Park as a fortress.

Ferencvaros, managed by Balazs Borbely, arrive in Scotland on the back of an impressive unbeaten streak across all competitions. Fradi stormed to a 7-0 victory over Debreceni EAC in the FA Cup on September 12 following a 2-2 draw with Ujpest and a 3-0 domestic win against Gyori ETO. In European qualifying, the Hungarian side booked their place in the Europa League main stage with a dominant 4-0 triumph over Trabzonspor in late August.

Head-to-Head History

Thursday's encounter marks the fourth meeting between these two clubs in European competitions. In their previous Europa League encounters during the 2021-22 season, Celtic claimed victory in both group stage fixtures, winning 2-0 at home before taking a 3-2 victory in Hungary. Ferencvaros' lone victory over Celtic came in August 2020, when they secured a 2-1 win at Celtic Park in Champions League qualification.

Team News & Key Lineups

Martin O'Neill has named a 4-2-3-1 formation for the hosts. Midfielder Callum McGregor captains the side alongside Oliver Sorensen in midfield, with Benjamin Nygren operating in an advanced attacking role behind striker Kasper Waarts Hoegh. Support on the flanks comes from Sebastian Tounekti and Haissem Hassan. At the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers partners Auston Trusty at center-back, flanked by full-backs Alistair Johnston, Colby Donovan, and Kieran Tierney. Celtic remain without suspended midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the injured Jota.

Ferencvaros coach Balazs Borbely mirrors the 4-2-3-1 system, anchored by veteran goalkeeper Denes Dibusz. The defense features Mariano Gomez, Barnabas Nagy, Toon Raemaekers, and Oliver Nagy. In midfield, Kristoffer Zachariassen, Marius Corbu, Cadu, and Callum O'Dowda provide firepower and structure alongside Yusuf Bamidele, while Lenny Joseph leads the attack up front. Midfielders Isaac Pappoe and Bence Otvos miss out through injury.

Match Prediction

While Ferencvaros bring excellent offensive momentum into this European test, Celtic's superior historical record in the Europa League against Fradi and home backing at Parkhead give them the edge. Expect an energetic contest with goals on both sides, but Celtic's attacking quality should see them edge out a 2-1 or 3-1 victory to open their campaign with three points.