Preview: Celtic vs. Inter Milan

Celtic will look to evoke the spirit of 1967 when they play host to Inter Milan in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-32 tie on Thursday evening.

Jock Stein's men, who would later be dubbed 'The Lisbon Lions', overcame the Italians 2-1 in the final of the European Cup - a feat that remains the Scottish club's finest achievement in their history.

Today's Celtic head into the clash at Parkhead in positive form, having won their last eight encounters in all competitions, conceding just one goal in the process.

In terms of team selection, manager Ronny Deila will be without defender Charlie Mulgrew because of a knee complaint, while Kris Commons is also regarded to be a doubt with a hamstring strain.

As for Inter, who went the entire group stage unbeaten, they have struggled to pick up consistent positive results ever since Roberto Mancini returned to the helm in November.

They have won their last two Serie A encounters against Palermo and Atalanta, but prior to that, they only won two of their previous eight outings.

A thigh injury will keep Japanese full-back Yuto Nagatomo out of the clash, but loanee January arrivals Lukas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri are both expected to feature.

If the hosting Bhoys are to pick up a positive result, they will have to overcome a poor recent record against Serie A clubs. They've lost their last four games against Italian opposition and are without a win in seven.

Celtic:

Form in Europa League: DWWDLL Form in all competitions: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Gordon; Matthews, Denayer, Van Dijk, Izaguirre; Brown, Bitton, Mackay-Steven, Johansen, Armstrong; Griffiths

Inter:

Form in Europa League: WWDDWD Form in all competitions: WLLLWW

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan, Santon; Guarin, Medel, Brozovic, Shaqiri; Podolski, Palacio

Sports Mole says: 1-1