Celtic head to Germany and the impressive HSH Nordbank Arena to face Hamburg needing a win to keep alive what little hope they have of making the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

Winless in Europe this season and bottom Group C, three points would boost the SPL side’s chances of qualification, but they would still face an uphill task to qualify.

Tony Mowbray’s side were desperately unlucky to lose against the Germans at Celtic Park in their last European outing, missing a host of chances before Marcus Berg grabbed his side’s second-half winner.

A capitulation away to Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the opening game and a 1-1 draw with group leaders Rapid Vienna leaves the Bhoys five points off the pace and the qualification places.

Hoops defender Andreas Hinkel believes his side are capable of picking up three points at the HSH Nordbank Arena, in what is sure to be a difficult encounter for the Scots.

"I think if you saw the first three games it was very tight in every one," Hinkel told BBC Sport.

"We could have won them so everything is possible. We still have a chance."

Mowbray has coming under increasing pressure from disgruntled Celtic fans following his side’s poor performances in Europe and inconsistent start to the season.

Since defeat to the Germans, Celtic have been dumped out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup by Hearts, but did manage to record back-to-back league wins over Hamilton and Kilmarnock.

The German side have been impressive in the Bundesliga this term, despite a host of injuries, and remain in the title hunt under Bruno Labbadia’s leadership.

However, they have not won since the pair last met, surrendering their unbeaten league start in a 3-2 home defeat to Borussia Mongengladbach at the weekend.

HSV lost their opening group game 2-0 to Rapid but recovered to record back-to-back victories over Israeli side Tel-Aviv and Celtic to remain on the brink of qualification.

Team News:

HSV coach Labbadia has a long list of injuries and is without three strikers heading into the game with Mladen Petric, Jose Paolo Guerrero and Tolgay Arslan all out injured.

The 43-year-old is also short on defensive options with Alex Silva, Collin Benjamin and Miroslav Stepanek all failing to make the trip, along with long-term absentee Bastian Reinhardt.

Midfielder Romeo Castelen is also out injured, while Jerome Boateng will be given a late fitness test.

Celtic head into the crunch tie without key midfielders Shaun Maloney, who is suffering from tendonitis in the heel and Scott Brown.

Marc-Antoine Fortune may feature after playing the final 25 minutes against Kilmarnock at the weekend, while Lukasz Zaluska will continue to deputise for Artur Boruc.

Probable Starting XIs (*Star man):

Hamburg (4-4-2): Rost; Demel, Mathijsen, Boateng, Aogo, Elia, Ze Roberto, Jarolim, Trochowski, Berg*, Pitroipa

Celtic (4-4-2): Zaluska; Hinkel, Caldwell, Loovens, Fox; McCourt, Crosas, N’Guemo, McGeady*; McDonald, Samaras

ExtraFootie Prediction: Hamburg 1 - 1 Celtic - Celtic have been atrocious in Europe this season and despite needing a win, they will struggle to defeat Hamburg on home soil. Mowbray's side look out of their depth in Europe but should hang on for a point against the injury-hit Germans.

Fancy a flutter? PaddyPower offers 14/1 for Celtic to finally pick up three points and win 1-0. Alternatively you can back Marcus Berg to open the scoring at 9/2.