Celtic vs Sparta Prague Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time and Team News

Scottish champions Celtic host Czech outfit Sparta Prague on Thursday night needing a win to put themselves in a better position in their Europa League group.

Neil Lennon's men have taken one point from their opening two Group H games, but a 2-2 draw against Lille last time out showed signs of promise.

The Hoops will be looking to push on from that well-earned point with three against the underdogs of the group, who so far have lost both of their games, scoring just one and conceding seven.

However, Sparta Prague will be no pushovers, having shown early dominance in the Czech First League. They boast the division's only 100% record so far, while currently having a goal difference of 14 after six games.

Here's 90min's preview of the clash.

Where to Watch

When Is Kick Off? Thursday 5 November
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Celtic Park
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport 3 (UK)
Referee? István Kovács 

Team News

James Forrest (ankle) is still out for the Hoops. Defenders Christopher Jullien (back) and Kristoffer Ajer (groin) remain sidelined for Celtic, so Nir Bitton will likely drop into defence alongside Shane Duffy - a partnership that produced a clean sheet in the Scottish Cup semi final against Aberdeen.

Man of the match against Lille, Mohamed Elyounoussi is likely to start on the left flank once again, looking to recreate the performance he put in against the French side.

For Sparta Prague, despite only recently recovering from a groin injury, Ondrej Celustka should start at the back. The club have announced the absence of Adam Hlozek due to injury and he will not travel with squad to Glasgow.

Czech International Ladislav Krejci is free to play, having served a suspension.

Predicted Lineups

Celtic: Bain; Frimpong, Bitton, Duffy, Laxalt; McGregor, Brown; Christie, Rogic, Elyounoussi; Edouard.

Sparta Prague: Heca; Hanousek, Lischka, Celustka, Sacek; Pavelka, Travnik; Vindheim, Dockal, Krejci; Julis.

Recent Form

It has been a turbulent time for Lennon recently, something the Celtic boss has rarely experienced while in charge at Celtic Park. Sunday's 2-0 Scottish Cup semi final victory over Aberdeen was their first in five games.

However, that win was comfortable and with the Lille performance behind them in Europe, they'll be firmly looking ahead to improving on recent results.

Despite a disappointing start to their European campaign, Sparta Prague have had a fantastic league season up to this point. With 20 goals and six wins in the opening six games, they look a force domestically.

The return to European football for Ladislav Krejci will also hugely benefit the Czech outfit. The Czech Republic international has so far amassed 40 caps for his country and provides vital experience in the Sparta midfield.

Here are the last five results for both sides.

Celtic

Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen (1/11)
Lille 2-2 Celtic (29/10)
Aberdeen 3-3 Celtic (25/10)
Celtic 1-3 AC Milan (22/10)
Celtic 0-2 Rangers (17/10)

Sparta Prague

AC Milan 3-0 Sparta Prague (29/10)
Sparta Prague 1-4 Lille (22/10)
Sparta Prague 2-1 Jablonec (3/10)
Sparta Prague 2-0 Blansko (30/9)
Pribram 1-3 Sparta Prague (27/9)

Prediction

Under the lights of Celtic Park, it's tough to see Sparta Prague coming away with a result.

While they will be boosted by the return of a seasoned international in Krejci, it's likely Celtic will have too much power for them to handle, having themselves been boosted by getting to the delayed Scottish Cup final for a chance to make it a quadruple treble in domestic football.

Lennon will want to retain the league title in Scotland and stop Rangers from lifting the trophy, but Europe is also a big stage for a club like Celtic.

It seems crucial they win this game and hope Lille drop points against a strong AC Milan side to claw their way back into the race to progress to knockout stage football from Group H.

Prediction: Celtic 3-0 Sparta Prague