Celtic v SK Strum Graz: team news, referee details, KO & where to watch

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 11:46 AM ET

Celtic are in UEFA Europa League action this evening with the visit of Austrian side SK Strum Graz. The visitors beat Rangers in their last UEL game at home but will be looking to make things difficult for the Scottish Champions.

Celtic have just one point from their opening two games following that defeat against Braga and Brendan Rodgers requires to get the campaign back on track with three points.

Team News

Celtic will be without Daizen Maeda and Jota, who are sidelined with injuries. Maeda felt stiffness in his hamstring after the win over Motherwell and missed games for Japan as well as the defeat to Dundee. The Superstar from Portugal remains sidelined with a knee issue; although, it shouldn’t be too long before he’s back in training.

Alistair Johnston is available for selection but it remains to be seen whether the manager brings him into the team, especially given the hint of a new shape at the weekend. Brendan’s infamous ‘Honda Civic’ quip disguised the update that he was considering playing a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 moving forward and it could very well make its first appearance this evening.

Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals.

Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kieran Tierney are expected to start in defence as part of a back three

Saracchi could well start at left wing back and potentially Alistair Johnston coming in at right wing back. James Forrest and Mikel Ange Balikwisha could also do a job there. In midfield, Arne Engels could well start with Callum McGregor but there’s also merit in bringing Paulo Bernardo in. He’s struggled for game time but always looks assured when he plays.

In attack, Kelechi Iheanacho and Sebastian Tounekti could lead the line.

Referee Details

Juan Martínez Munuera has been appointed as the referee. The 43-year-old leads an all Spanish cast of match officials in what is his first match refereeing Celtic.

He will be assisted by compatriots Diego Barbero and Raúl Cabañero. Javier Alberola Rojas will operate as Fourth Official.

Meanwhile, on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties, Carlos del Cerro Grande will be in charge with Cesar Soto Grado assisting. Celtic were denied a blatant goal against Braga with VAR failing to intervene so hopefully the Spaniards are more on the ball than the German official last time.