Celtic's Dedryck Boyata says Ajax will look to attack at Parkhead this week

Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata thinks Ajax will not sit back and defend when they come to Parkhead for Thursday night's vital Europa League clash.

The Scottish Premiership leaders will be desperate for three points as they are currently bottom of Group A, following back-to-back defeats by Norwegian side Molde.

Ronny Deila's men could yet make it through to the knock-out stages but they will need to beat Ajax and then triumph at Fenerbahce.

The Bhoys were frustrated by Kilmarnock's defensive gameplan during a 0-0 draw on Saturday but Boyata does not think Ajax will adopt a similar approach.

The last two Europa League games were disappointing. We know how good we can be and we didn't manage to be as good as we usually are.

The Dutch side are only a point ahead of Celtic in the standings and could do with a victory themselves.

And Boyata said: "Ajax is a team that likes to play football. You never know but I don't think they will stay at the back.

"If we break against a team who comes against us, then there is more space and maybe we create more chances.

"When a team stays at the back it is difficult, because to create the chances you need to open them up.

"Ajax is a really important game, the last two Europa League games were disappointing. We know how good we can be and we didn't manage to be as good as we usually are.

"So it is a really important game and we need to be at our best."