Celts Seek Ferencvaros Revenge: Match Preview

Celts Seek Ferencvaros Revenge
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


David Turnbull unleashes a stunning strike during the 2-0 win over Motherwell


Group G - Matchday 3

Celtic Park
Tuesday, 19 October 2021
15.30 BST

Celtic will go into Tuesday afternoon's (yes, you read that right) Europa League match with Ferencvaros, looking to build on two wins in the league, either side of the recent International break, with increasing confidence, and for the support, looking for abit of payback, after the Hungarian side knocked then manager Neil Lennon's Celts out of Champions League Qualification at the beginning of what would prove to be a very troubling 2020/21 campaign.

After a very encouraging performance in Seville against Real Betis, and being humbled at home by German outfit, Leverkusen, Ange Postecoglou's side find themselves in the unenviable place of propping up the rest of Group G.

However, with Fenercvaros also yet to register a point, Tuesday's match offers a real opportunity for the Hoops to be able to pit a disappointing September behind them.

Although the injury crisus that has restricted options has subsided a bit (but is far from over) and more time for newly arrived players to settle into life in Glasgow and adapt to the manager's philosophy, it is imperative for Celtic to make the most of the home advantage in this match and secure all 3 points on offer.

Especially if there is to be any hope of catching Leverkusen or Real Betis in the Group. But even in a head to head, the visitors cannot be taken lightly, as they have proven on their previous visit to Parkhead, the only time in which the two clubs have met, and have a historically strong record against Scottish teams in European competition.

So it is an opportunity, but it is one that Celtic absolutely must take, even without relying on any favours in the other game in the group. Indeed, it is possible that these games against Ferencvaros could determine whether Celtic will still be active in Europe at all after the turn of the year.

But Celtic are a very much changed side since that encounter, with captain Callum McGregor almost certainly the only survivor from that match likely to be there again tomorrow.


CalMac: the only Hoops survivor from when these sides last met in August 2020

About the Visitors

The visitors, who are currently sitting on top of the Hungarian League, will be looking to bounce back after a loss at the weekend, and two of their last three games overall.

Indeed, that record is even more undesireable in UEFA competitions so far this season, having lost all five of their past European encounters, to Real Betis, Leverkusen, both legs of the Champions League Play Off by Young Boys and even before that, by Slavia Praha in the second leg of the previious round.

The Hungarian outfit, however, is now under the management of Peter Stoger, who has implemented a more expansive style compared with what was seen when Ukrainian legend Sergei Rebrov was in control.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss has overseen the integration of a slew of new signings since taking over, including Muhammed Besic and Marko Marin, both of whom have Premier League experience, Bosnia-Herzegovinian midfielder Stjepan Loncar, Serbian winger Zeljko Gavric and perhaps the most dangerous of them is Moroccon forward Ryan Mmaee - joining his brother, Samy, who was already at the club.

Unlike on that occasion though, it will not be a completely empty Celtic Park this time - although given the afternoon kick off time on a workday, it is uncertain how this may effect the attendance of the Celtic support there to roar on the Bhoys in green.


Jota latched onto an inch-perfect Rogic pass to slot home at the weekend

To succeed the Hoops will be looking for more of the sparkling form from the likes of Portuguese winger, Jota, who has scored 3 goals in the past 5 games, and spoke about the upcoming midweek encounter.
"These games against Ferencvaros are very important" Jota expressed, before continuing "We want to deliver a victory at home in front of our fans, our family."

"We're ready to play in the morning, afternoon or the evening. Just put us on the pitch and we'll do our thing. It doesn't matter about the time.

"We know the fans want us to deliver results but that's good pressure to have. We must go into games with a winning mentality."

What Ange Says...

Speaking on Monday afternoon, manager Ange Postecoglou spoke about the homework he has been doing on the competition ahead of this fixture, as part of the preparations for the Bhoys.
“I’m well aware of Ferencvaros and the kind of team they are. Obviously we’ve watched them closely over recent weeks in the Europa League and in their own competition. In recent history as well, last year the two sides met in qualification for the Champions League.

“We know they will be a good challenge for us. They are a good team, they had a disappointing result in the league at the weekend, but the manager rested a few players, so we expect a good challenge tomorrow.

“I said before the weekend’s game that we’re definitely better prepared. We’re just more settled, the players are more settled, everyone’s a bit more settled."


Team News



Ange Postecoglou has hinted that there is likely to be at least one change from the side that started on Saturday against Motherwell, with Adam Montgomery returning from a knock he picked up in training last week once again available.

Apart from that there continues to be no word about the availability of James McCarthy, in addition to still missing Greg Taylor, Josip Juranovic, James Forrest and Christopher Julien, as they continue to work their way back to fitness.


~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 1 W: 0 D: 0 L: 1

Last Meeting
1-2
26 August 2020

~~~~ 2021/22 Form ~~~~

Overall
WWLDW ~ ~ LWLWW

Europe
LLLWW ~ ~ LLLLL

Celtic Home - - - Ferenc Away
LDWWW ~ ~ LWWLW​