Celtic v Beşiktaş: Five Big Questions Ahead of a Huge European Night at Celtic Park

Celtic return to European action on Thursday night knowing that anything other than a victory against Beşiktaş will leave our Europa League campaign in an extremely difficult position.

Three defeats from our opening three league-phase fixtures have left us sitting on zero points. Meanwhile, the Turkish side arrive in Glasgow with seven points and an unbeaten European record.

After the humiliation at Falkirk, Martin O’Neill and his players desperately need a response. But there are plenty of questions heading into what could be one of the most important nights of our season.

1. Can Martin O’Neill finally get his starting eleven right?

The constant changes to our starting eleven have made it difficult to build any consistency. We have seen players moved around, attacking combinations changed and questions raised about whether certain individuals are being used in their best positions.

Against Beşiktaş, we need a team with a clear identity and an attacking plan. We cannot afford another slow start or a performance where players look unsure of their responsibilities.

O’Neill needs to get his selection right from the first whistle.

2. Will Celtic finally start with natural width?

One of the biggest frustrations this season has been our lack of natural wingers in the starting eleven.

We have repeatedly tried to fit multiple strikers into the same attacking system, leaving us without the balance and creativity needed to stretch opposition defences.

Haissem Hassan has offered directness and the willingness to take defenders on, while Jota’s return has given supporters something to be excited about. Unfortunately, Jota is ineligible for this Europa League fixture because he is not registered in the squad.

Could Hassan be the player to provide that attacking spark? And will O’Neill finally build a team around players in their natural positions?

3. Can our defence cope with Beşiktaş’s attacking threat?

This is perhaps the biggest concern heading into Thursday.

We have conceded nine goals in our opening three Europa League matches. That is simply unacceptable for a club with Celtic’s European ambitions.

Beşiktaş have already scored nine goals in the competition, including four against Marseille and three against Hoffenheim. They have dangerous attacking players capable of punishing defensive mistakes.

With Alistair Johnston unavailable and Auston Trusty unavailable, O’Neill has some important decisions to make.

Cameron Carter-Vickers returning to the side is a positive, but we need far more organisation and concentration across the entire back four.

4. Is it time for Kasper Høgh to deliver?

There is no getting away from the fact that Høgh needs a goal.

Since his hat-trick against Kilmarnock in August, the striker has struggled to reproduce the form that initially excited Celtic supporters.

He needs confidence, service and opportunities, but European nights are exactly where our attacking players have to step up.

Could Thursday finally be the occasion where he gets himself back on the scoresheet? Or will O’Neill turn to another option if things are not working?

With Camilo Durán also competing for a place, there is an opportunity for someone to make themselves undroppable.

5. Can Celtic give the supporters something to believe in again?

Ultimately, this is the biggest question of them all.

The defeat at Falkirk has left supporters frustrated, and the atmosphere surrounding the club is becoming increasingly difficult.

We have watched Celtic lose six of their last ten matches in all competitions. We have suffered three consecutive European defeats and have seen too many performances that fall well below the standards expected.

A victory against Beşiktaş would not suddenly fix every problem at the club, but it would give us a much-needed lift.

The supporters will be there on Thursday night. Celtic Park will be ready for a European occasion, and the players have a responsibility to give everything for the shirt.

We need intensity, commitment and a performance that reminds everyone what this team is capable of.

Three points are essential. More importantly, we need to see a Celtic side that looks like it believes in itself again.

Thursday night is an opportunity to change the mood around the club. We need to take it.