Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction Stuttgart 2026

Key Points

• VfB Stuttgart host Celtic Glasgow in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 knockout round play-offs at the MHPArena on Thursday, 26 February 2026, with kick-off at 18:45 CET.
• Stuttgart hold a commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg at Celtic Park, where Bilal El Khannouss scored twice, followed by goals from Jamie Leweling and Tiago Tomás.
• In the league phase, Stuttgart finished 11th with 15 points (5 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses), scoring 15 goals and conceding 9; Celtic ended 21st with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses), scoring 13 but conceding 15.
• Stuttgart’s recent form shows four wins in their last five matches across all competitions, with 19 goals scored and 10 conceded in Europa League play; Celtic have three wins and two losses in their last five.​
• Betting predictions overwhelmingly favour a Stuttgart home win (odds around 1.48), with many experts anticipating both teams to score (odds about 1.62).
• AI predictions and analysts highlight Stuttgart’s attacking efficiency (18.9 shots per game in Europa League), home advantage, and defensive solidity as key to progression.
• Celtic must overturn a three-goal deficit, a tall order given their defensive issues—no clean sheets in 8 Europa League matches this season.
• Head-to-head: Stuttgart won the first leg 4-1; historical meetings show Stuttgart with 2 wins, Celtic 1, and Stuttgart scoring 8 to Celtic’s 6 across prior encounters.
• Managers: Sebastian Hoeneß (Stuttgart) praised for clinical performance; Martin O’Neill (Celtic) faces a “daunting task” for comeback.
• Key players for Stuttgart: Bilal El Khannouss (2 goals in first leg), Serhou Guirassy/Undav, Deniz Undav; for Celtic: Benjamin Nygren (first-leg goal), Kasper Schmeichel.​
• Stuttgart’s home form in last 5: Strong; Celtic’s away form in last 5: Mixed with vulnerabilities.​
• Over 2.5 goals likely, aligning with Celtic’s last 6 Europa League games all exceeding that mark and Stuttgart’s high shot volume.
• No major injuries reported for Stuttgart; Celtic missing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (unknown injury).​

VfB Stuttgart, Germany (Glasgow Express) February 23, 2026 – VfB Stuttgart stand on the brink of the UEFA Europa League last 16 after a dominant 4-1 first-leg victory over Celtic Glasgow, with experts predicting another home win in the second leg on 26 February to seal progression.

What Happened in the First Leg?

The first leg at Celtic Park unfolded as a clinical display by Sebastian Hoeneß’s men. As reported by Bundesliga.com staff in their match preview, Stuttgart got off to a dream start as Bilal El Khannouss slotted home with just 15 minutes on the clock after Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had given the ball away. Benjamin Nygren capitalised on Atakan Karazor’s mistake to level soon after for Celtic, but parity didn’t last long, with El Khannouss heading home a precise Angelo Stiller cross for Stuttgart’s second.​

After the break, Jamie Leweling and Tiago Tomás added their names to the scoresheet, the latter in the 90’+3 minute, securing a commanding three-goal advantage ahead of the return fixture at the MHPArena. As detailed by LiveTipsPortal analysts, this 4-1 result reflects Stuttgart’s current superiority in head-to-head meetings, putting Celtic in a daunting position.

How Do Stuttgart’s Group Stage Stats Compare to Celtic’s?

Stuttgart showcased credentials in the league phase, accumulating 15 points and finishing 11th, with efficiency in front of goal: 15 scored, 9 conceded. According to BettingTips4You preview, Stuttgart averaged 18.9 shots per game, double Celtic’s 9.4, alongside higher possession (59.9% vs 50.9%) and pass accuracy (86.2% vs 83.9%).

Celtic’s journey was more tumultuous, finishing 21st with 11 points, scoring 13 but conceding 15, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their 8 Europa League matches. LiveTipsPortal notes Celtic scored 13 goals but conceded 19 overall in the competition, highlighting defensive concerns.

What Are the Latest Form Guides?

VfB Stuttgart’s recent form has been outstanding, with four wins in their last five matches across all competitions, scoring 19 times while conceding just 10 in Europa League play. LiveTipsPortal emphasises their consistency, particularly at home.​

Celtic Glasgow has experienced a more turbulent run: three victories and two defeats in their last five, with vulnerabilities exposed away from home. As per BettingTips4You, Celtic have needed stoppage-time goals in each of their last three matches, adding thrill but risk.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch?

For Stuttgart, Bilal El Khannouss is pivotal after his brace in the first leg, alongside Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade in attack. BettingTips4You highlights Demirovic and Undav leading the line with directness.​

Celtic rely on Benjamin Nygren’s response goal, with Kieran Tierney and Daizen Maeda threatening down the left. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel faces a barrage, given Stuttgart’s shot volume.​

What Do Experts Predict for the Second Leg?

Our betting prediction leans towards a home victory for VfB Stuttgart, as stated by LiveTipsPortal analysts:

“Given their current form and the advantage from the first leg, Stuttgart is well-positioned to secure another win. Additionally, considering both teams’ attacking prowess, we anticipate that both teams will score.”​

AI betting tip from the same source suggests a Stuttgart victory: “Analyzing their recent performances and the advantage of playing at home, Stuttgart appears to have the upper hand.” Futbol24 concurs: “With Stuttgart’s impressive form and the significant advantage gained from the first leg, they are undoubtedly the favorites.”

BettingTips4You, in their first-leg preview by unnamed experts, predicted Stuttgart to win & both teams to score, citing Celtic’s home scoring but defensive woes: “Stuttgart’s average of 15 goals in eight games suggests they have the firepower to score twice.” Odds favour Stuttgart at 1.48 (Mozzart via LiveTipsPortal), BTTS at 1.62 (Gbets).

Can Celtic Mount a Comeback?

Celtic face an improbable comeback, needing three goals without reply. As reported by LiveTipsPortal, under Martin O’Neill, they must summon a monumental effort despite resilience shown with three wins in the competition. BettingTips4You notes Celtic’s last six Europa League games cleared 2.5 goals, but no clean sheets: “Celtic’s defensive vulnerability and Stuttgart’s offensive pressure suggest a scoreline where both teams contribute.”

Bundesliga.com preview states Stuttgart are “out to seal a spot,” implying Celtic’s task is herculean post-4-1 deficit.​

What Is the Head-to-Head History?

Historical head-to-head shows Stuttgart with 2 wins to Celtic’s 1, scoring 8 goals to 6, averaging 2.67 goals per match. The latest: Stuttgart’s 4-1 triumph, their biggest win.

Team News and Tactical Insights?

Stuttgart report no injuries/suspensions; probable XI: Nubel; Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Andres; Leweling, Undav, Fuhrich; Demirovic. Hoeneß’s side plays possession football, attacking through the middle and left.​

Celtic without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; probable: Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Hatate; Adamu, Cvancira, Maeda. They emphasise wide transitions, strong on the left.​

Tactical battle: Stuttgart’s volume (18.9 shots) vs Celtic’s counters; both strong on set-pieces.​

Betting Tips and Odds Overview

• Home Win (Stuttgart): 1.48 (Mozzart) – Strong favourite per LiveTipsPortal.​
• Both Teams to Score (Yes): 1.62 (Gbets) – Due to attacking styles.
• Correct Score predictions: Stuttgart 2-1 (BettingTips4You rationale).​
• Bet Builder example from Racing Post (first-leg context): Over 2.5 goals, Julian Chabot booked, Liam Scales foul (14-1 bet365).​

As per Transfermarkt’s preview page, the match at MHPArena underscores Stuttgart’s home strength.​