Celtic have dropped a surprisingly number of points at the start of this season, already losing three of their first seven games in the Scottish Premiership. That includes their Old Firm clash with arch-rivals Rangers, who the Werkself faced in the 2019/20 Europa League. Rangers ended Celtic’s run of nine straight league titles last year. The Hoops only managed a 1-1 draw with Dundee United at the weekend, meaning the gap to leaders Rangers opened up to six points. Celtic are only in sixth place.
Things have also gone awry in Europe for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Their dream of a place in the Champions League were ended by an extra-time defeat to Danish side Midtjylland in the second round of qualifying. Victories over Jablonec of the Czech Republic and Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar ultimately saw them reach the Europa League, which they opened with a cracker in Spain. The Scots had a 2-0 lead inside half an hour away at Real Betis, but then conceded four in the space of 21 minutes to eventually lose 4-3. They’ll be looking for their first points of the campaign on their home debut this season against the Werkself.
After two Northern Irishmen and a Scotsman in the last five years, Celtic have tried an intercontinental approach for their manager with Greece-born Australian Postecoglou. He joined in the summer from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, where he won the title in 2019. The 56-year-old had previously spent four years in charge of his national team, leading Australia to the 2014 World Cup. He was a bit of an unknown in Europe before his surprise appointment.
However, he has plenty of experience in his squad. By far the most famous name is in goal with former England international Joe Hart signed on a free from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has been to two World Cups and two European Championships with the Three Lions, as well as winning the league twice with Manchester City. He brings a wealth of experience to the Bhoys. Otherwise, there is a lack of big names in the side. Defender Christopher Jullien may be one known by Bundesliga followers after he made one league appearance for Freiburg in 2014. Swiss forward Albian Ajeti has also played in Germany, being on the books at Augsburg in 2016.
Jullien hasn’t played at all in 2021 due to a knee injury, but did return to training recently. It’s unlikely he’ll feature against the Werkself, as is also the case for wingers Kyogo Furuhashi and Mikey Johnston. Captain Callum McGregor was another who missed out in the league on Sunday, but could be an option again during the week.
When McGregor is fit and in top form, he’s part of a strong midfield with David Turnbull and James McCarthy in Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 formation. McGregor in particular is the heart of the team, with the 28-year-old having been at Celtic since he was eight. He also scored Scotland’s only goal of last summer’s Euros. At 22, Turnbull is seen as one of his country’s most exciting prospects and was named by teammates as the Young Player of the Season last term.
Celtic have to plug a very leaky defence. They’re yet to compensate for the departure of leader Kristoffer Ajer to Brentford or the injury to Jullien. Carl Starfelt from Rubin Kazan and Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan from Tottenham were signed as replacements, but they are still trying to find their feet. Full-back Josip Juranovic is also a new face from Legia Warsaw. The Hoops have particularly struggled on the road, losing all three away league games so far – plus the defeat to Betis.
Celtic are the team you’d expect to finish third in Group G behind Bayer 04 and Betis. The Bhoys did, though, show in Spain that they can at times compete against the favourites, meaning Leverkusen know they face a tough task. The Scots should also have more defensive stability once key men McGregor and Jullien are back fit, and they could still have a say in who finishes in the top two.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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