Europa League 2025-2026: Red Star-Celtic, the likely lineups

Belgrade’s Marakana Stadium will host the challenge valid for the first day of the Europa League group stage between Red Star and Celtic. Kickoff at 9 p.m. Both teams arrived in the competition after being eliminated in the Champions League playoffs: the Serbs surrendered to Pafos, while the Scots saw qualification slip away on penalties against the less-rated Kairat Almaty.

Milojevic is expected to rely on a 4-2-3-1 with former Inter Milan man Arnautovic as the lone forward, supported by Katai in the three-quarter with Ivanic and Kostov on the outsides. Midfield dike formed by Handel and Elsnik, in defense Lekovic will flank Veljkovic in the center. The only absentee is former Milan player Krunic.

Rodgers, on the other hand, will go for the 4-3-3: Iheanacho will lead the attack, flanked by Tounekti and Maeda, while McGregor will position himself at the back. In the rearguard Carter-Vickers will partner Scales in front of Schmeichel. Johnston, Trusty, Jota and Ralston are unavailable.

Probable lineups

Red Star (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Seol, Lekovic, Veljkovic, Tiknizyan; Handel, Elsnik; Kostov, Katai, Ivanic; Arnautovic. All: Milojevic.

.

Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Hatate; Tounekti Iheanacho, Maeda. All: Rodgers.