Celtic will look to register their first win of the group stage in the Europa League in their clash against Molde.

Ronny Deila's men have an opportunity to lift themselves to the top of Group A with a victory on their trip to Norway.

Molde

Erling Moe's men have enjoyed a good start to their Europa League campaign as they have collected four points from their first two matches.

The Norwegian side recorded a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce thanks to goals from Tommy Hoiland, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Martin Linnes to have the perfect start to the group stage.

Molde backed up their efforts with a strong performance at home against Ajax by drawing 1-1 against Frank de Boer's side as Eirik Hestad's early strike was cancelled out by Viktor Fischer.

Moe's side have had a below-par season in the Tippeligaen as they are currently in seventh place in the division after 27 matches, while they crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb in the qualifying round.

Their failure in Europe's elite competition resulted in the sacking of manager Tor Ole Skullerud, despite their title and Norwegian cup in the previous season, leaving Moe to guide the club in their league campaign and the Europa League.

The club are unbeaten in their last eight matches at home, winning four of the contests. The last two victories in the league have come in convincing fashion, leaving Celtic with a difficult task to claim the three points in their trip to Aker Stadion.

Recent form: WD
Recent form (all competitions): WLLDWW

Celtic

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Celtic are unbeaten in their first matches of the campaign and are sitting in second place, two points behind Molde in Group A.

Deila's side were unable to stave off a comeback from Ajax in their first match as De Boer's men earned a point in their clash at the Amsterdam ArenA.

A late goal from Lasse Schone salvaged the Dutch side a 2-2 draw after Nir Bitton and Mikael Lustig had put Celtic in front, while Emilio Izaguirre was sent off for the Bhoys in the 73rd minute.

It was the same story in their match against Fenerbahce at Celtic Park as Leigh Griffiths and Kris Commons handed Celtic a 2-0 lead in the first half, but the Turkish side battled back to earn a point through a brace from Fernandao.

Celtic have been in solid form in the Scottish Premiership, although they have faced a tough battle with Aberdeen for the lead in the division in the early stages of the campaign.

The Dons handed Deila's men their only defeat in the league this season, but Celtic have rallied since and are currently on a four-match unbeaten run, including their 1-0 win over Motherwell at the weekend to reclaim top spot.

The Bhoys' two defeats in all competitions have been on the road at Pittodrie and their loss to Malmo which eliminated them from the Champions League, so the Norwegian will be wary of the task at hand as he returns to his homeland.

Recent form: DD
Recent form (all competitions): DWDDWW

Team News

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Deila could be boosted by the return of Jozo Simunovic and Charlie Mulgrew to his squad for the trip to Norway.

James Forrest, Stefan Johansen and Stuart Armstrong are all likely to feature after working their way back to fitness following injury problems at the start of the season. Striker Griffiths should also be ready to take his place to lead the line for the Bhoys.

The Norwegian is likely to stick with the same back four he has operated with in the Premiership, with Dedryck Boyata and Tyler Blackett at the heart of the defence.

Moe is only without long-term injury victim Joshua Gatt for the clash, and could play the same lineup that beat Mjondalen in their last league outing on Saturday.

Molde possible starting lineup:
Horvath; Rindaroy, Forren, Gabrielsen, Linnes; Singh, D Hestad, Hussain, E Hestad, Mostrom, Hoiland

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Ambrose, Boyata, Blackett, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton, Commons, Rogic, Armstrong; Griffiths

Head To Head

This will be the first meeting between the sides in a competitive fixture.

We say: Molde 1-1 Celtic

Molde have had a good start to their Europa League campaign and have a strong record at home. The Bhoys have been in solid form themselves, but will find it difficult to take all three points from the match. Expect a stalemate from the clash at Aker Stadion.

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