7M - Match Preview: Stuttgart vs Celtic – Europa League Knockout Playoff Second Leg

Stuttgart welcome Celtic to the MHPArena for the second leg of their Europa League knockout playoff on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 5:45pm local time. Die Roten hold a commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg in Scotland, giving them a strong position to advance to the next stage.

Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeness will look to seal the tie on home soil after a commanding display in Glasgow. Goals from Tiago Tomas, Jamie Leweling, and Bilal El Khannouss helped set up the big 4-1 advantage, and Stuttgart will be confident of progressing given their impressive home form this season. The German side have been undefeated at the MHPArena since early December 2025 and are seeking a European win to extend their good run.

Celtic, managed by Martin O'Neill on this return, face a daunting task to overturn the deficit. The Bhoys arrive off mixed results but will take heart from an away record that has seen them unbeaten in seven of their last nine European trips. They will need a maximum performance to deny Stuttgart a place in the next round.

Team News:

Stuttgart are expected to be without Angelo Stiller, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Lazar Jovanovic, and Justin Diehl due to fitness issues, while Jeff Chabot is suspended. Luca Jaquez could partner Finn Jeltsch in defence, with Atakan Karazor and Chema Andres possibly anchoring midfield. Attackers Chris Fuhrich, Bilal El Khannouss, and Ermedin Demirovic are likely to keep starting roles, with Deniz Undav also favored to start.

Celtic cannot call upon Alistair Johnston, Arne Engels, Callum Osgood, Cameron Carter-Vickers, or Jota due to injury. Benjamin Nygren has scored in his last three games and is set to start alongside Daizen Maeda, Sebastian Tounekti, and Tomas Cvancara in attack.

Predicted starting lineups:

Stuttgart: Nubel; Assignon, Jacquez, Jeltsch, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Andres; El Khannouss, Undav, Fuhrich; Demirovic

Celtic: Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Bernardo; Maeda, Nygren, Tounekti; Cvancara

Prediction: Stuttgart 2-1 Celtic

Stuttgart have been strong at home in Europe and carry a 4-1 lead into the second leg, giving them the edge to book a place in the next round.