We now know the teams Celtic will have to play in the Europa League - League Phase this season. The draw handed Martin O’Neill’s side a tough range of fixtures with several different challenges. There are certainly a few teams you would expect to draw in the Champions League rather than the Europa League.
Marseille, Ferencváros, Celta Vigo and Beşiktaş will head to Celtic Park, while Benfica, Union Saint-Gilloise, Omonia and Torreense will face Celtic at their grounds.
Several big games await Celtic in the draw, including some great away days for the Hoops fans. Here is our ranking of all eight opponents rated from most tricky to the games that should be more straightforward on paper.
1. Benfica (Away)
Benfica away is likely to be the toughest tie on paper. The Portuguese giants were a pot 1 side and one of the toughest teams they could have drawn away from home in this tournament. They certainly made light work of Hearts during qualification. Coming up against the team from Lisbon allows the Celtic fans a chance to visit the city where the lions famously won the European cup. If Celtic take anything from the tie it will be a good result. Easier points to be gained elsewhere.
Difficulty rating: Very Difficult
2. Marseille (Home)
Another high spending European side with a strong squad on paper. There is a better chance of getting a result from the 2nd Pot 1 team since they play the game at Celtic Park rather than the Velodrome. A tough game yes but one that Celtic can realistically take something from in front of 60,000 fans. A big time fixture between two big European names.
Difficulty rating: Difficult
3. Beşiktaş (Home)
Beşiktaş is one of those difficult teams with a strong reputation in Europe. Martin O’Neill will be delighted the tie is at Celtic Park rather than away in Turkey. A result is achievable but it wouldn’t surprise you to see the big spending Turkish side win at Celtic Park. If Celtic have had a good tournament I would suspect they beat Beşiktaş along the way. There is quality in the Beşiktaş ranks but Celtic can beat them at home if they turn up and perform on the night.
Difficulty rating: Difficult
4. Celta Vigo (Home)
A similar fixture to the one against Beşiktaş, and one that Celtic can win. Yes they bring La Liga quality to Celtic Park but it’s not a fixture Celtic should fear. One of the most difficult teams Celtic could have drawn out of Pot 3. It will mark a return to Celtic Park for former Celt Carl Starfelt. Celta are a familiar team that Martin O’Neill beat on the way to the UEFA Cup final in 2003. Hopefully we see a repeat result this time round. Winnable fixture
Difficulty rating: Somewhat difficult
5. Union Saint-Gilloise (Away)
A classic fixture where you think Celtic should be getting a result but usually don’t. No reason why Celtic cannot go to Belgium and get a point at least. Tony Bloom has done well building the former Belgian champions but it’s not a fixture Celtic should fear. Tricky tie away from home. Martin O’Neill will be thinking Celtic can go there and get a result.
Difficulty rating: Somewhat difficult
6. Ferencváros (Home)
Pot 2 side along with Celtic. The Hungarian side will be no mugs when they visit Celtic Park. Not an easy game but one Celtic should be looking to win if they want to do well in this tournament. Ferencváros showed last season they can be a threat in the Europa League when they beat Rangers. They also beat Celtic in a recent Champions League qualifier so not a team to take likely but one Celtic should win at home.
Difficulty rating: Winnable Game
7. Omonia Nicosia (Away)
One of the away fixtures that Celtic should be looking for three points. The team from Cyprus cannot be underestimated but it’s certainly a fixture Celtic can look to win. Martin O’Neill can ask Neil Lennon about the side after the former Celtic captain had a spell managing them out in Cyprus a couple of years ago. On paper, Celtic are the stronger side. This is one they need to win if they have aspirations of climbing the table and qualifying for the next stage. Difficult trip with good atmosphere, but a game Celtic can win.
Difficulty rating: Winnable Game
8. Torreense (Away)
The easiest game on paper. Torreense will play European football from the second division of the Portuguese league after winning the Portuguese Cup against Sporting last season in a stunning upset. If Celtic have ambitions for a strong performance in the Europa League then this is one they must take advantage of. Three points is needed from a game that takes Celtic back to Portugal for a second time this campaign. Celtic have enough to get the job done out in Portugal.
Difficulty rating: A game Celtic should be winning
How many points should Celtic be targeting?
Celtic should be aiming to finish in the top 8 of the league phase this season. To do so, they will need to be aiming for around 15 points. There is a genuine mixture of heavyweight opposition and games Celtic should be winning. If they have a good tournament the 15 points they need is possible. This should be the goal.
To qualify, Celtic need to take advantage of the home games. Beating the likes of Celta Vigo, Ferencváros and Besiktas. Added to wins away at both Omonia and Torreense, the Hoops would be there. 10 points would be the aim for the knockout playoffs. This should be the minimum.
There is certainly the chance for Celtic to put the Champions League playoff disaster behind them. With new signings in the door before the window closing the foundation is there for Celtic to have a strong tournament. As always, it requires the club to get off to a strong start. Will they?
What do you think of the draw? Can Celtic qualify from these fixtures?
All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only