How to watch Celtic v Besiktas: TV channel, live stream, team news, referee and VAR for Europa League must-win
Everything you need to know about how to watch the Hoops in European action
Celtic return to Europa League action this week at home to Besiktas as their search for their first points of the league phase continues.
As matchday four approaches, the champions are yet to get off the mark, following successive defeats to Ferencvaros, Benfica and Celta Vigo. Domestically, Martin O’Neill’s side have also struggled over the past week, drawing at home to Dundee United and losing to Falkirk away in their last two. The manager is seeking to get Celtic back on track in midweek against the Istanbul giants.
A tough task awaits for the Glasgow side against a team who drew with Conference League champions Crystal Palace in their last outing despite being down to 10 men. Besiktas currently sit fourth in the Turkish Super Lig and eighth in the league phase table.
Meanwhile, with Celtic 35th out of 36, anything other than three points will severely dent their hopes of qualification to the knockout phase and will give them a mountain to climb going into the second half of the campaign. In what is a must-win clash for O’Neill and co if they have any European ambitions, here’s how viewers can tune into the action, as well as some other useful match information:
Where and when will Celtic vs Besiktas take place?
The match will take place at Celtic Park on Thursday, November 5. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm (GMT).
Will Celtic vs Besiktas be broadcast live on television?
Yes, the match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 3. Coverage will start at 7:45pm, following FC Thun vs Hearts in the Conference League.
Can I live stream Celtic vs Besiktas?
Subscribers in the UK can stream the fixture live via the Discovery+ app or HBO Max. Viewers outside of the UK and Ireland will be able to watch the action unfold on the CelticPlayer.
Who is the referee and VAR for Celtic vs Besiktas?
The German officiating team will be lead by referee Sascha Stegemann. Christof Gunsch and Marco Achmuller have been selected as his assistants, while Martin Petersen is the fourth official. Benjamin Brand is on VAR duty, alongside assistant Patrick Hanslbauer.
What is the Celtic team news ahead of Besiktas?
Left back Kieran Tierney is a doubt after suffering what the manager described as ‘a couple of knocks’ against Falkirk. Right back Alistair Johnston definitely won’t be involved as another hamstring setback as sidelined him until after the international break. Winger Yang Hyun-jun is returning to training this week but Thursday night’s clash will likely come too soon. Both defender Auston Trusty and midfielder Oliver Sorenson are doubts due to recent family bereavements.
There should be a few familiar faces in the Besiktas camp including Yang’s Korean international teammate and former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, who is expected to lead the line for the visitors at Celtic Park. Former Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny and defender Ridvan Yilmaz are also both within starting contention.