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Five talking points ahead of Celtic's trip to Valencia

Five talking points ahead of Celtic's trip to Valencia

Celtic are in Valencia for the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie looking for what would be a remarkable turnaround.

The Hoops are 2-0 down from the first game last week and have never won in Spain.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at five talking points ahead of Thursday night's game at the Mestalla Stadium.

Celtic need to create history

The Parkhead club have never won a European tie in Spain. In 15 matches they have lost 12 and drawn three. Can the Parkhead men upset the odds and get through to the last 16? It would be a memorable night for the Hoops if they did.

Valencia are formidable opponents

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Valencia's form in Europe is good. The Spanish side are undefeated in four games against visitors from Scotland, winning three of them - including the last two against Rangers in the Champions League group stage, 2-0 in 1999/2000 and 3-0 in 2010/11. Valencia have never lost any of the 15 European ties in which they have won away in the first leg. What are the chances of Celtic changing that?

Emilio Izaguirre to return?

The Honduras left-back is the replacement for Kieran Tierney, working his way back to fitness after a hip problem, but he missed the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday with a knock. Left winger Jonny Hayes came in and pleased manager Brendan Rodgers with his performance during a tough match. Will the enthusiastic Hayes retain his place for the Mestalla clash or will Izaguirre get the nod?

Striking options

French striker Odsonne Edouard has been working his way back to fitness after injury. Following several substitute appearances he started in the win over Killie at the weekend but was replaced by on-loan forward Oliver Burke after 69 minutes. Will Rodgers keep him in the side or will he go with the pace and power of Burke or even the guile of Timothy Weah?

Fan-tastic

Celtic have been given around 2,500 tickets for the game. However, it is estimated that around 10,000 Hoops fans have made the journey to Spain. How many of them will manage to get into the ground is a matter for speculation, but watch out for green and white in all corners of the ground.

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- Press Association

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