Celtic have only ever won two of 12 clashes with Austrian clubs, losing each of the last three, winless across all six played this century. Sturm Graz have won all three home games against Scottish clubs, but have lost both visits to Scotland.
Celtic vs Sturm Graz preview
Can Celtic kick-start their Europa League campaign, in desperate need of points if they're going to progress to the knockout stages? Last time out in this competition, the Hoops were beaten 2-0 by Braga at Parkhead, conceding a rocket inside 20 minutes and then a fluke goal five minutes from time. In between, Kelechi Ịheanachọ had an equalised scandalously disallowed by VAR due to a handball that simply did not exist. This leaves Brendan Rodgers' side on just a solitary point after two games, having held Crvena zvezda to a credible 1-1 draw in their league phase opener in Belgrade.
After this, the Celts will travel to Midtjylland, Feyenoord and Bologna, while also hosting Roma and Utrecht, none of which will be straight forward. So, if they are going to avoid an embarrassing early exit, they need to start picking up wins and fast.
This is a pivotal four days for Rodgers' team, especially after they suffered their first domestic defeat of the season on Sunday, beaten 2-0 by Dundee at Dens Park, the second an unfortunate own goal by Cameron Carter-Vickers. The side who've won 13 of the last 14 Premiership titles are currently five points adrift league-leaders Hearts, who they face at what is sure to be a raucous Tynecastle on Sunday lunchtime. These next two matches could be season-defining, so will the Celts win here?
As for Sturm Graz, having defeated one Glasgow giant this month, can they complete the double? On matchday two, first half goals from Tomi Horvat and then Otar Kiteishvili were enough to see them beat Rangers 2-1 at Liebenauer Stadium. This was an important victory for die Schwoazn, considering they had been beaten 2-0 by Midtjylland in their league phase opener in Herning.
Domestically, Sturm Graz have now won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles, having not been champions since 2011 beforehand, bringing to an end RB Salzburg's ten-in-a-row dominance. Jürgen Säumel's side are top of the table once more right now, collecting a fourth successive league victory at the weekend, beating Blau-Weiß Lin 4-3 in a thriller. Now though, having been beaten by Rangers in 2000 and Livingston two years later, die Schwoazn will be hoping it is third time lucky as they seek a victory in Scotland, so can the Austrian champions add to the woes of their Scottish counterparts?
Celtic vs Sturm Graz head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Celtic team news
In the continued absence of Alistair Johnston, who suffered a hamstring injury against Kairat in August, Anthony Ralston deputised at right-back at Dens, but 19 year old Colby Donovan could get the nod this time, having started both Europa League ties to date.
Elsewhere, star striker Daizen Maeda, who scored four Champions League goals last season, is sidelined due to a hamstring issue. Deputy Yang Hyun-Jun was hooked at half time on Sunday, so either club legend James Forrest or summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha are expected to start this time. Marcelo Saracchi would miss the trip to Midtjylland suspended if cautioned.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Sturm Graz: (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Nygren, Hatate; Balikwisha, Tounekti, Ịheanachọ.
Celtic player to watch vs Sturm Graz
Celtic have scored only one goal in four European outings so far this season, with Kelechi Ịheanachọ the man to get it at the Marakana, so can the Nigerian fire them to a crucial victory?
Sturm Graz team news
Jürgen Säumel's side operate out of a 4-4-2 diamond shape, something you rarely see but, as Rangers found out earlier this month, when working, it can be dangerous.
American striker Maurice Malone scored against Blau-Weiß Linz at the weekend, but Leon Grgić's double off the bench is likely to see him start instead.
Sturm Graz predicted lineup vs Celtic: (4-4-2): Christensen; Oermann, Aiwu, Lavalée, Karić; Gorenc Stanković, Chukwuani, Horvat, Kiteishvili; Grgić, Jatta.
Sturm Graz player to watch vs Celtic
Otar Kiteishvili's goal against Rangers is one of eight he has bagged already this season, so the Georgian international will be the visitors' creator in chief.
Celtic vs Sturm Graz prediction
We are not backing Celtic to claim their first European victory of the season, simply because the Hoops lack quality, thereby not favourites to beat the Austrian champions: Celtic 1-1 Sturm Graz.
Celtic vs Sturm Graz FAQs - UEFA Europa League
How to watch Celtic vs Sturm Graz in the Europa League on TV channel?
Celtic vs Sturm Graz in the Europa League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Celtic vs Sturm Graz in the Europa League on live streaming?
Celtic vs Sturm Graz in the Europa League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Celtic vs Sturm Graz in the Europa League?
Celtic vs Sturm Graz takes place on Thursday 23 October 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).