Celtic seek first Europa League points against Beşiktaş

Celtic host Beşiktaş on Thursday, November 5, seeking their first points in the Europa League after losing their opening three matches. Beşiktaş arrive eighth in the standings, unbeaten with seven points from three games. The match at Celtic Park offers Celtic an opportunity to end a winless start that has left them 35th in the 36-team league phase. They have lost to Ferencváros, Benfica and Celta Vigo. Five matches remain in the league phase, including Thursday’s fixture. Beşiktaş have recorded wins over Marseille and Hoffenheim and drawn with Crystal Palace. Their position contrasts with Celtic’s, though they come to Glasgow after a 2-2 draw with Kasımpaşa on Sunday, November 1, having let a two-goal lead slip. Celtic also lost on Sunday, going down 2-0 away to Falkirk. The result was their sixth defeat in 10 matches across all competitions, according to a match preview. The team’s immediate European task is to take points against a side that has begun the league phase without a defeat. Celtic are expected to be without defender Alistair Johnston, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Winger Jota is unavailable because he is not registered in the club’s Europa League...