The Celtic starting XI Martin O'Neill should use against Besiktas

Celtic are back in Europa League action on Thursday night when they face Turkish giants Besiktas at home, Still winless and pointless in the competition, Celtic desperately need a win here if they want to keep their hopes of progressing realistic.

Besiktas have already racked up seven points and are well on their way to going through. They will be heavy favourites for this one.

Here we take a look at the Celtic starting XI Martin O'Neill should deploy on Thursday night.

GK - Sam Johnstone

Viljami Sinisalo remains the best option, but it's clear O'Neill is going to start Johnstone until the international break, so there is no point suggesting otherwise.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Tierney is a doubt after picking up a couple of knocks, but he should be available and will be the clear choice on the left.

CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers

CCV had a mare against Falkirk, but that was his first truly poor performance of the season. He has been very consistent for the most part, and he should get the start.

CB - Auston Trusty

Liam Scales has given the all away too often. Auston Trusty should be available again after a difficult week or so personally, and he should be given a start here.

RB - Colby Donovan

Donovan is the obvious option on the right in the absence of Alistair Johnston. But he must show more discipline and prioritise defending here.

CDM - Callum McGregor

From what we have seen this season, McGregor is no longer good enough against this sort of opponent, but he remains Celtic's only real holding midfielder.

CDM - Mika Baur

Celtic need legs in the midfield, and that means Baur coming back in. The German should be told to play deeper and more disciplined than usual here.

CAM - Benjamin Nygren

Nygren is an obvious starter in the attacking midfield role.

RW - Haissem Hassan

Celtic need to play their best natural right winger, and that is clearly Haissem Hassan. The winger must start producing defensively, though, currently lacking in that side of his game.

LW - Sebastian Tounekti

Tounekti has been very frustrating so far this season, but the reality is that Celtic need a natural winger here. Defensively, they cannot afford to be starting a striker like Callum Osmand in a game against a team as good as Besiktas. Tounekti is positionally sound, even if his attacking in the final third has been poor.

CF - Camilo Durán

Durán is clearly Celtic's biggest goal threat. There is a concern here that Celtic could do with someone to hold the ball up, but Kasper Hogh isn't doing that well currently, and nor is he a goal threat. Durán is the best option currently.