Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction: 26.02.2026 UEFA Europa League

The UEFA Europa League knockout stage delivers a compelling clash as Stuttgart welcome Celtic to the Mercedes-Benz Arena. With Stuttgart commanding recent form both domestically and in Europe, and Celtic aiming to overturn a challenging first-leg deficit, this contest offers more than just tactical intrigue—it is a meeting of two storied clubs at a pivotal continental crossroads.

Eyes will naturally be drawn to Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, a forward in prolific form both as goal scorer and creator, and Celtic’s versatile attacker Benjamin Nygren, whose directness and four goals in his last six appearances highlight his threat. Midfield control and defensive discipline will be paramount, with each team boasting players capable of defining crucial moments.

Stuttgart’s “hot stat”? Eighteen goals scored in their last five matches—a testament to their relentless attacking approach and tactical flexibility under Sebastian Hoeneß.

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Stuttgart vs Celtic prediction

Given Stuttgart’s dominant performance in the first leg (4-1 victory away), the German outfit head into the return leg as overwhelming favourites. Their attacking trident—Undav, Führich, and Leweling—have proven clinical, benefitting from a midfield that sustains pressure and a defense anchored by high pass accuracy and composure.

Celtic have struggled for cutting edge in Europe, conceding four in Glasgow and registering just ten goals in their last five matches. Discipline is a concern; the Scottish side picked up 11 yellow cards in their last five outings, with 62 fouls in that span—nearly one every seven minutes, which could disrupt Stuttgart’s rhythm but equally may leave Celtic exposed if Stuttgart exploit set-piece opportunities. Both teams favour a 4-2-3-1 structure, but Stuttgart’s superior ball control (3,319 passes, 84.2% completion recent average) should help them manage the tempo, while Celtic’s higher shot volume (120 in five matches) hints at a direct, risk-taking approach—albeit one that can leave gaps defensively.

Team Analysis

Stuttgart recent games: Stuttgart enter this match fueled by momentum, with six wins and a solitary defeat in their last eight, demonstrating both resilience and attacking flair. Their recent 4-1 drubbing of Celtic in Glasgow was a masterclass in structured pressing and lethal counter-attacking. Even when held to a 3-3 draw by Heidenheim days later, Stuttgart’s offensive machine rolled on, piling up goals from various sources and highlighting an ability to recover from in-game setbacks. Consistent defensive personnel—Chabot, Hendriks, Mittelstädt—and midfielders like Stiller and Karazor have formed a cohesive spine, supporting the creative brilliance up front.

Celtic recent games: Celtic’s continental form tells a different story. A hard-fought 1-2 home loss to Hibernian followed their Europa League defeat, exposing some frailties in defensive transitions and discipline (collecting three yellows). While wins against Kilmarnock and Livingston in domestic play showcased their attacking spirit—especially with Nygren offering a focal point—disciplinary lapses (e.g., Auston Trusty’s red card risk, frequent yellow accumulation) continue to disrupt their rhythm. Their defense has shown cracks under sustained pressure, particularly against sides capable of drawing them into an open contest.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Stuttgart vs Celtic stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Stuttgart the favourite

• Moneyline Stuttgart 1.39 | Celtic 6.50
• Draw 5.25
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.60 | Under 2.5 2.25
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.72 | No 2.00

The bookmakers give a clear edge to Stuttgart, with implied win probability hovering around 68 percent. This is justified—Stuttgart’s potent attack and home advantage make it difficult to bet against them. Celtic’s long odds (up to 6.50) reflect not only the first leg deficit but also their defensive inconsistencies and away struggles in Europe. The total goals line reflects market confidence in an open, attacking fixture, especially given Stuttgart’s recent scoring exploits and Celtic’s push to overturn a deficit.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Stuttgart possible starting eleven

Sebastian Hoeneß will likely keep faith in the successful 4-2-3-1 system. Nübel’s leadership from the back offers security, while Chabot and Hendriks provide a solid defensive core. In midfield, Stiller and Karazor add control and stamina, allowing the creative Bilal El Khannouss to operate between the lines. Up front, the combination of Führich’s dribbling, Leweling’s work rate, and Undav’s finishing makes Stuttgart a multidimensional threat. Keep an eye on El Khannouss—his four goals in recent games underline his rising influence.

Celtic possible starting eleven

Martin O’Neill is expected to field a 4-2-3-1, optimizing the experience of Schmeichel in goal and the leadership of McGregor in midfield. The defensive quartet features Tierney and Scales for width, with Trusty bringing a physical element. Midfield balance will rely on Hatate’s dynamism and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s surging runs. Nygren heads the attack with direct support from Maeda and Tounekti—Celtic will need the front three’s movement and pace if they are to trouble Stuttgart’s back line.

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My take on the Match

Expect Stuttgart to control proceedings from early on, leveraging their goal cushion and confidence at home. Their system is robust, with the midfield dictating play and enough variety in attack to stretch Celtic’s defense. Celtic, for their part, will look to press early for a quick goal, yet may find themselves vulnerable if they commit bodies forward. My main pick: Stuttgart win, and Over 2.5 goals—their current scoring trend and game context support an open, entertaining contest where Celtic will almost certainly have to take risks, which should suit the hosts.

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