Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction and Betting Tips, scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 17:45 GMT. The match will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+ from the MHPArena in Stuttgart. Referee Irfan Peljto will take charge of this high-stakes Europa League knockout playoff encounter.
Following their dominant 4-1 victory in Glasgow, the hosts are heavy favorites to progress. Will they maintain focus after a wild 3-3 draw in the Bundesliga? You can find more Free Europa League Predictions at XpertStats. The visitors need a miracle to survive this trip.
Stuttgart vs Celtic Key Facts and Stats
Stuttgart holds a massive 4-1 advantage after a clinical performance in the first leg last week.
The German side averages an impressive 2.75 goals scored per match when playing at home recently.
Celtic has seen Both Teams to Score land in 100% of their recent away European fixtures.
Die Roten will be missing key defender Julian Chabot tonight due to his current match suspension.
The Scottish champions are struggling defensively with Cameron Carter Vickers and Alistair Johnston officially ruled out.
Stuttgart has won 67% of their recent victories by a margin of three or more goals.
Potent home attack with an average of 2.75 goals scored per match.
Aggressive offensive style averaging a massive 18.75 shots per home game.
Elite accuracy in front of goal with 7.25 shots on target per match.
Strong set piece threat winning an average of 6.5 corners per fixture.
- Stuttgart's Weaknesses
Disciplinary issues with a high average of 16 fouls committed per game.
Tendency to receive many cautions with 2.25 cards per match.
Defensive lapses shown by a 75% rate of BTTS in home matches.
+ Celtic's Strengths
Highly spectacular style with 100% of away games seeing both teams score.
Consistent offensive output averaging 1.75 goals scored in away fixtures.
Entertainment value with 75% of games going over 3.5 total goals.
Effective transition play resulting in 4.5 shots on target per match.
- Celtic's Weaknesses
Leaky defense conceding an average of 1.75 goals per away match.
Poor shot generation with only 6.75 total shots taken per game.
Weak corner production winning only 3.0 corners per away fixture.
Match Preview
Sebastian Hoeneß has his side playing some brilliant football right now. The MHPArena has become a fortress where they haven't lost since December 2025. Still, can they avoid complacency? Bilal El Khannous is the man to watch after scoring twice in the first leg.
The Moroccan youngster has 5 goals this season with a 0.98 per 90 rate. He is clearly the main threat for a Celtic defense that looks quite thin. Missing Angelo Stiller would be a blow in midfield, but the hosts have enough depth.
Deniz Undav is expected to lead the line with his 0.36 goals per 90 average. He is a constant menace in the box and creates space for others. Stuttgart's high energy press often forces opponents into making massive mistakes in their own half.
Celtic travels to Germany in a desperate situation after losing 2-1 to Hibernian. Martin O’Neill knows his side must score early to have any hope. That said, their defensive record away from home is a huge concern for the traveling fans.
They have conceded 1.75 goals on average in away matches this season. Without Carter Vickers and Johnston, the backline lacks its usual authority. Benjamin Nygren has been a rare bright spark, scoring in his last three games for the Scottish club.
Nygren currently has 4 goals and will need to be at his clinical best tonight. It feels like a mountain to climb for the Bhoys in this atmosphere. Always check our latest Free Europa League Predictions for more expert insights and daily winning tips.
Maximilian Mittelstädt and Ramon Hendriks are currently locked in a fierce internal competition for defensive roles at VfB Stuttgart. While Mittelstädt navigates a challenging period marked by recent VAR controversies, Hendriks has solidified his position as a versatile rival. Both players remain driven by the ambition of securing World Cup spots, viewing the upcoming international break as a decisive opportunity to impress their respective national team managers.
J. Vagnoman, F. Jeltsch, R. Hendriks, M. Mittelstädt
MF
A. Karazor, C. Andrés B. E. Khannouss, D. Undav, J. Leweling
FW
E. Demirović
OUT
J. Chabot(OUT),
A. Stiller(QUES),
L. Jovanović(OUT),
D. Zagadou(OUT),
J. Diehl(OUT),
Celtic (4-3-3)
Martin O'Neill
GK
K. Schmeichel
DF
J. Araujo, A. Trusty, L. Scales, K. Tierney
MF
C. McGregor B. Nygren, R. Hatate
FW
S. Tounekti, T. Čvančara, D. Maeda
OUT
C. Carter-Vickers(OUT),
C. Osmand(OUT),
Jota(OUT),
A. Johnston(OUT),
A. Engels(OUT),
O. T. Holm(OUT),
Referee
Irfan PELJTO
Prediction
Stuttgart to Win
Stuttgart has been dominant at the MHPArena lately, showing an incredible offensive output of 2.75 goals per game. Their recent 4-1 away win proves they have the tactical edge over Celtic's backline. With the visitors forced to play high to overturn a deficit, Stuttgart's clinical counter-attack should secure another home victory. They are currently undefeated at home since early December 2025.
The home side generates a massive 18.75 shots per match, keeping opponents under constant pressure. In contrast, Celtic has struggled on the road, conceding 1.75 goals per game. Without key defenders like Carter Vickers, the visitors lack the stability to withstand the German side's intensity. Stuttgart's superior efficiency in both halves makes a home win the most logical outcome for this second leg encounter.
Over 2.5 Goals
This fixture is perfectly set up for a high scoring affair given the tactical circumstances. Celtic has no choice but to attack, and 100% of their away games have seen both teams score. Stuttgart averages 3.75 total goals per match at home, making the over 2.5 goals line very appealing. Both sides have shown they are much stronger in attack than they are in defense lately.
Data suggests a spectacular game as 75% of Stuttgart's home matches exceed the 2.5 goal threshold. Similarly, 75% of Celtic's away fixtures have seen over 3.5 goals, indicating a consistent trend of high scoring results. With Stuttgart scoring 2.75 goals per game and Celtic needing to chase the result, the probability of seeing at least three goals in this MHPArena clash is extremely high.
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FAQ – Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction
Who will win between Stuttgart and Celtic?
Stuttgart are strong favourites due to their 4-1 aggregate lead and their dominant home record where they average 2.75 goals per match.
Where can I watch Stuttgart vs Celtic live?
The Stuttgart vs Celtic Europa League match will be available via broadcast details on CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+.
What time does Stuttgart vs Celtic start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 (GMT) on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
What was the result of the first leg?
Stuttgart secured a massive 4-1 victory away at Celtic Park, placing them in a commanding position for the return leg.
Are there any major injuries for this match?
Stuttgart is without the suspended Julian Chabot, while Celtic is missing key defenders Cameron Carter Vickers and Alistair Johnston.
Alexandru Florin is a football betting expert, providing tips and accumulator predictions for xpertstats.com since 2022. With a strong focus on data-driven analysis, he delivers well-researched insights and reliable advice for bettors aiming for long-term profit.
