If 10 points is the mark we are capable of still qualifying, but we're running out of matches.Martin O'Neill on Celtic's Europa League hopes BBC Sport

Celtic have lost to Ferencváros, Benfica and Celta Vigo, scoring three and conceding nine. No side has lost its first three Europa League league-phase games and still reached the knockouts since the format changed, and Martin O'Neill admits the clock is ticking. "If 10 points is the mark we are capable of still qualifying, but we're running out of matches," he said.

Domestic form is no comfort. Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Falkirk was a sixth loss in ten across all competitions. Confidence is low; O'Neill attended a supporters' club meeting in Greenock to hear fans' frustrations but stressed that results, not meetings, define the job.

Beşiktaş are flying in Europe: 4-1 over Marseille, 3-2 at Hoffenheim and a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace leave Vincenzo Italiano's side eighth on seven points. O'Neill called them a "real handful" with "so many quality players". Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu may have a point to prove; Dusan Vlahović leads the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts with seven but still seeks a first Europa League goal this term.

Alistair Johnston suffered another hamstring setback after 13 minutes against Hibs and is out until after the international break. Yang Hyun-jun has done "a little bit of training" but Thursday comes too soon; O'Neill hopes he is involved against Kilmarnock on Sunday. Jota is ineligible, not registered in the European squad. Beşiktaş miss captain Orkun Kökçü and Fabio Miretti through injury, with Ümit Akdağ suspended after his red card against Palace.

"We need to get off the mark at some stage," O'Neill said. Parkhead needs a first European point of the season against a side that has already taken seven from nine.

Compiled from BBC Sport, Sports Mole, The Scotsman, Radio Times.

Growing pains. Is it unexpected? I would say no. We are experiencing probably the most demanding challenge Sunderland has ever faced in its history… playing every three days is much more demanding than preparing a game with one full week, and so it's a new journey.Régis Le Bris on Sunderland's European return BBC Sport

Sunderland's return to Europe after 53 years has been steadier than their Premier League form. Wins over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense plus a 1-1 draw at Lech Poznań leave Régis Le Bris's side ninth in the league phase on seven points. Domestically they are bottom after a winless seven-game league run, capped by Saturday's 3-1 loss at Coventry, though a 3-2 League Cup win over Brentford offered a lift.

Le Bris frames the dual load as expected. "Growing pains. Is it unexpected? I would say no. We are experiencing probably the most demanding challenge Sunderland has ever faced in its history. Premier League, Europa League, quarter-final in Carabao Cup, FA Cup later. We earned it last season and we are pleased to be in this position, but playing every three days is much more demanding… it's a new journey."

Habib Diarra is out "probably around six weeks" with a muscle injury. "We are sad for him. He worked hard to get back after the previous injury." Chemsdine Talbi has been added to the Europa squad in his place. Dan Ballard (hamstring) and Romaine Mundle (knee) remain out; Ballard is targeting a mid-December return to training. Nordi Mukiele is being assessed after concussion protocols; teenager Juan Angulo is a doubt.

Dinamo parted company with Mario Kovačević after a 1-0 league loss to Rudeš; reserve-team boss Jerko Leko takes caretaker charge. The Croatians have four Europa points — a draw with Hapoel Be'er Sheva, a win over Anderlecht and a 4-2 home defeat to NEC — and sit 18th. Scott McKenna is out with a back strain. Star striker Dion Drena Beljo has 17 goals in 18 appearances this season, three of them in Europe.

"When you don't know how the opponent will evolve, you focus on your strength," Le Bris said. "I think we have to show our identity once again to prove what we are."

Compiled from BBC Sport, Sports Mole, Radio Times.