Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction: Stuttgart will defeat Celtic 2-1 in the second leg at MHP Arena, securing a 6-2 aggregate victory to advance to the next round of the UEFA Europa League, as the German side protects their commanding three-goal advantage from the first leg with strong home form that includes seven consecutive unbeaten matches at their stadium.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League – Knockout Playoff Round (Second Leg) |
| Date | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 11:15 PM (23:15 local time) |
| Venue | MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany |
| First Leg Result | Celtic 1-4 Stuttgart |
| Aggregate Score | Stuttgart leads 4-1 |
Key Facts
- Stuttgart secured a commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg at Celtic Park, putting them in complete control of the tie.
- The German side scored through Tiago Tomas, Jamie Leweling, and Bilal El Khannouss who netted twice in Scotland.
- Stuttgart currently sit 11th in the Europa League standings with 15 points from eight matches.
- Celtic occupy 21st position with 11 points and face elimination unless they overturn a three-goal deficit.
- Stuttgart remain undefeated at home since early December 2025, winning five and drawing two of their last seven matches at MHPArena.
- Celtic have suffered back-to-back defeats, losing to Stuttgart and then falling 2-1 to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
- Manager Sebastian Hoeness has guided Stuttgart to four wins in their final five Europa League group matches.
- Celtic manager Martin O’Neill returned for his second spell in January 2026 after Wilfried Nancy’s unsuccessful tenure.
- Stuttgart won all four home matches during the Europa League league phase.
- Celtic have managed only one away victory in European competition this season.
Stuttgart vs Celtic Preview and Prediction
Stuttgart welcome Celtic to Germany holding a substantial three-goal advantage from the first leg.
Sebastian Hoeness’ team delivered an exceptional performance at Celtic Park, creating 1.88 expected goals while Celtic generated 2.09 xG, yet the scoreline heavily favored the visitors through clinical finishing.
The German outfit struggled initially in Europa League competition, losing two of their opening three fixtures.
However, they transformed their campaign with four victories in five matches, narrowly missing automatic qualification to the Round of 16 by a single point.
Their playoff draw against Celtic appeared challenging, but Stuttgart’s dominant first-leg display has virtually secured their progression.
Celtic face an almost impossible task. Martin O’Neill’s second stint started promisingly with eight wins and two draws in ten matches, helping the Bhoys qualify for the knockout rounds and climb back into the Scottish title race.
However, the devastating loss to Stuttgart followed by a late defeat to Hibernian has derailed their momentum. The Glasgow club now trails Hearts by six points in the Premiership while staring at European elimination.
Stuttgart vs Celtic Lineups and Formations
Stuttgart Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Nubel
- Defense: Assignon, Luca Jaquez, Finn Jeltsch, Maximilian Mittelstadt
- Midfield: Atakan Karazor, Chema Andres
- Attacking Midfield: Bilal El Khannouss, Deniz Undav, Chris Fuhrich
- Forward: Ermedin Demirovic
Celtic Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel
- Defense: Araujo, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney
- Midfield: Callum McGregor, Paulo Bernardo
- Attacking Midfield: Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren, Sebastian Tounekti
- Forward: Tomas Cvancara
Injury Report
Stuttgart Injuries
The hosts face several absences that could impact squad depth.
Angelo Stiller remains sidelined with fitness concerns, removing a key midfield option.
Dan-Axel Zagadou continues his recovery, while Lazar Jovanovic and Justin Diehl are also unavailable through injury.
Jeff Chabot serves a suspension, forcing defensive adjustments. His absence opens the door for Luca Jaquez to partner Finn Jeltsch in central defense.
Celtic Injuries
Celtic’s injury list proves more extensive and damaging. Alistair Johnston, a regular right-back, cannot feature.
Arne Engels misses out from midfield, while Callum Osmand remains unavailable.
Crucially, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Celtic’s defensive leader, sits out injured.
His absence weakens their backline significantly. Jota, an attacking threat, also cannot participate.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Carter-Vickers’ absence represents Celtic’s most significant blow.
The American center-back provides defensive stability and leadership that Celtic desperately need when facing a three-goal deficit.
Without him, Celtic’s already difficult task becomes nearly impossible.
For Stuttgart, Chabot’s suspension forces changes but Hoeness possesses adequate cover.
Stiller’s absence removes midfield creativity, yet the team demonstrated in the first leg they can function effectively without him.
Where to Watch Live
United Kingdom & Ireland: TNT Sports 2, discovery+, discovery+ App, Talksport 2 Radio (Ireland also: Premier Sports ROI 1)
United States: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, fuboTV, ViX
Germany: RTL, RTL+
India: Sony LIV, SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 4, SONY TEN 5, JioTV
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
France: Canal+ Sport, myCANAL, Canal+ Live 2
Italy: Sky Sport 257, SKY Go Italia, NOW TV
Spain: Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones 2
Tactical Analysis
Stuttgart employ a 4-2-3-1 formation that transitions fluidly into attack. Hoeness emphasizes quick transitions, utilizing the pace of Leweling and Fuhrich on the flanks.
El Khannouss operates as the creative hub, dropping deep to collect possession before driving forward. Undav’s movement between lines creates space for runners, while Demirovic provides a physical presence up front.
Their defensive structure remains compact, with Karazor and Andres shielding the backline.
The full-backs push high when Stuttgart control possession, creating width and stretching opposition defenses.
Celtic mirror the formation but struggle with consistency. O’Neill wants his team to press aggressively, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Maeda’s energy on the right provides constant pressure, while Tierney offers experience on the left.
However, Celtic’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the first leg, particularly when Stuttgart exploited spaces behind their advancing full-backs.
Also Read Ferencvaros vs Ludogorets Razgrad Prediction.
Statistical Analysis and Head-to-Head
Current Form
Stuttgart: W-W-L-W-W-D (last six matches across all competitions)
Celtic: W-W-W-W-L-L (last six matches across all competitions)
Historical Head-to-Head
The teams have met three times previously, all in European competition:
- February 20, 2026: Celtic 1-4 Stuttgart (Europa League)
- February 28, 2003: Stuttgart 3-2 Celtic (UEFA Cup)
- February 21, 2003: Celtic 3-1 Stuttgart (UEFA Cup)
Stuttgart hold the advantage in recent meetings, though Celtic won the 2003 tie on aggregate.
Europa League Standings
Stuttgart (11th): 8 matches, 5 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses, 15 goals for, 9 against, 15 points
Celtic (21st): 8 matches, 3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses, 13 goals for, 15 against, 11 points
Stuttgart’s superior goal difference and home record position them favorably. Celtic’s negative goal difference reflects their defensive struggles.
Key Players to Watch
Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)
The German forward combines technical skill with intelligent movement. Undav drops deep to link play, creating overloads in midfield before making late runs into the box. His understanding with El Khannouss proved crucial in the first leg.
Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart)
The two-goal hero from Celtic Park possesses exceptional dribbling ability and vision. El Khannouss can unlock defenses with through balls or carry the ball forward himself. Celtic must prevent him receiving possession in dangerous areas.
Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)
The attacking midfielder has scored in three consecutive matches for Celtic. Nygren represents Celtic’s best creative outlet and must produce something special if the Bhoys hope to mount an unlikely comeback.
Callum McGregor (Celtic)
The captain’s experience and composure will prove vital. McGregor must control the tempo, dictate play from deep positions, and organize Celtic’s attempts to break down Stuttgart’s defense.
Expert Insight
El Khannouss could determine this match. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, turn defenders, and create chances makes him Stuttgart’s most dangerous weapon.
Celtic struggled to contain him in Scotland, and without Carter-Vickers marshaling the defense, they may find him even more problematic.
If Stuttgart score early, the tie ends as a contest. El Khannouss possesses the quality to deliver that decisive blow.
Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction
Stuttgart’s three-goal cushion and home advantage make them overwhelming favorites.
Celtic need to score at least four goals while preventing Stuttgart from scoring, a scenario that appears highly unlikely given current form and injury situations.
Stuttgart will approach this match professionally, maintaining defensive discipline while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities.
Celtic must commit players forward, creating spaces that Stuttgart’s quick attackers can exploit.
Predicted Score: Stuttgart 2-1 Celtic (Stuttgart win 6-2 on aggregate)
Stuttgart confirmed Chabot’s suspension will force defensive changes, with Jaquez expected to deputize. Hoeness expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to manage the tie professionally without complacency.
Celtic manager O’Neill acknowledged the difficulty of the task but insisted his team would fight until the final whistle. The recent Hibernian defeat has increased pressure on Celtic’s domestic campaign, making European progression even more important for squad morale.
Stuttgart’s unbeaten home run continues to grow, providing additional confidence heading into this crucial fixture. Celtic’s away record in Europe this season offers little hope for a miraculous turnaround, though football occasionally produces unexpected results.
FAQs
Where To Watch Stuttgart vs Celtic Live?
Indian viewers can watch Stuttgart vs Celtic live on Sony LIV streaming platform and Sony TEN 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 television channels, with JioTV also providing streaming coverage of the UEFA Europa League knockout playoff second leg match on February 26, 2026.
Who Will Win Stuttgart vs Celtic Match?
Stuttgart will win the match against Celtic at MHPArena, as the German side holds a commanding 4-1 first-leg advantage, maintains an unbeaten home record since December 2025 with five wins and two draws in seven matches, and faces a Celtic team suffering back-to-back defeats with multiple key defensive injuries.
What is Stuttgart vs Celtic Match Kick-Off Time?
Stuttgart vs Celtic kicks off at 11:15 PM IST on Thursday, February 26, 2026, which corresponds to 5:45 PM local time at MHPArena in Stuttgart, Germany, for the UEFA Europa League knockout playoff round second leg.
Are There Any Injuries in Stuttgart vs Celtic Match?
Stuttgart miss five players including suspended defender Jeff Chabot, injured Angelo Stiller, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Lazar Jovanovic, and Justin Diehl, while Celtic face five absences with key defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston injured alongside Arne Engels, Callum Osmand, and Jota, creating significant defensive vulnerabilities for both teams but particularly impacting Celtic’s ability to overturn the three-goal deficit.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Stuttgart vs Celtic Match?
Stuttgart will defeat Celtic 2-1 in the second leg at MHPArena, resulting in a 6-2 aggregate scoreline, as the German side’s clinical finishing, home fortress advantage with four consecutive Europa League home wins, and Celtic’s defensive injuries including Cameron Carter-Vickers make a comfortable Stuttgart progression the most likely outcome.
Celtic Standing with Points?
Celtic finished 21st in the UEFA Europa League league phase standings with 11 points from eight matches, recording three wins, two draws, and three losses with 13 goals scored and 15 conceded for a negative-two goal difference that forced them into the knockout playoff round instead of automatic qualification.
Stuttgart Standing With Points?
Stuttgart finished 11th in the UEFA Europa League league phase standings with 15 points from eight matches, securing five wins and three losses while scoring 15 goals and conceding nine for a plus-six goal difference that narrowly missed automatic top-eight qualification by just one point.
