Celtic vs Stuttgart: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026
The first leg of the 2025/26 Europa League playoff round will take place on Thursday, February 19, at Celtic Park in Glasgow. In this clash, Scottish side Celtic will take on Germany’s Stuttgart, with both teams battling for a spot in the round of 16.
Match preview
Celtic, under the returning Martin O’Neill, are on an impressive run, currently unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions. The “Bhoys” clinched a playoff spot with a 21st-place finish in the group stage, showcasing their character in a decisive 4-2 win over Utrecht. Last weekend, they snatched a dramatic victory against Kilmarnock (3-2) in the 97th minute, underlining their extraordinary fighting spirit. O’Neill is banking on the experience of Kasper Schmeichel in goal and the scoring prowess of Swedish talent Benjamin Nygren, who’s netted four times in his last five outings. The legendary “Celtic Park factor,” with its raucous atmosphere, continues to turn their home ground into a fortress where even European giants can feel the pressure.
However, the hosts are facing significant personnel issues: key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, and Arne Engels are all sidelined, forcing the coaching staff to rebuild the backline around Liam Scales. Despite their attacking efficiency, Celtic haven’t managed a single clean sheet in this Europa League campaign—a worrying sign against a potent German attack. January signings like Julian Araujo and Tomáš Čvančara are already integrated and ready to add steel, but the lack of cohesion in defense could be a decisive factor under Stuttgart’s relentless pressing.
Stuttgart, led by Sebastian Hoeneß, are enjoying a standout season, sitting fourth in the Bundesliga and finishing 11th in the Europa League group stage. The German side arrives in Glasgow in high spirits after a 3-1 win over Köln, once again powered by the dynamic strike partnership of Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović. Stuttgart play a vertical, high-paced brand of football, averaging over 60% possession. Hoeneß’s squad has been deadly in the closing stages of matches—eight of their last nine goals have come after the break, highlighting their superb fitness and ability to wear down opponents.
The visitors also have their share of injury woes: Dan-Axel Zagadou and Lazar Jovanović are out, while key defender Jeff Chabot is a doubt. Nevertheless, Alexander Nübel’s stability in goal gives Stuttgart a balanced edge. The German club has struggled away from home in Europe this season (three losses in four matches), but the current form of Undav and Demirović gives them every chance of finding the net in Glasgow, aiming to secure a comfortable cushion ahead of the return leg at the MHP Arena.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Celtic have won their last five matches.
- Celtic have conceded in each of their last three outings.
- Five of Stuttgart's last six matches have featured over two goals.
- Stuttgart have scored first in five of their last six matches.
- These teams have never met in an official match before.
Probable lineups
- Celtic: Schmeichel - Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney - Nygren, Hatate, McGregor - Tounekti, Maeda, Čvančara
- Stuttgart: Nübel - Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt - Karazor, Stiller, Undav - Leweling, Führich, Demirović
Prediction
I believe the magic of Celtic Park and Stuttgart’s attacking firepower will make for an entertaining, high-scoring affair. Under O’Neill, the hosts play boldly, but their defensive frailties all but guarantee chances for Undav and company. The German side are technically superior, but the Scots, riding a wave of momentum, can certainly put up a fight and at least find the net. Given both teams’ recent stats, my prediction is over 2.5 total goals.
