Stuttgart will take on Celtic in the second leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday, 26 February, with the tie all-but-over.
The German side hold a commanding 4-1 advantage after the first leg, and are expected to complete the job with minimal fuss on Thursday night.
Celtic fans may harbour hopes of a dramatic comeback, but their form in recent weeks makes it difficult to make a case for one.
As part of this week's round of Europa League betting tips, check out our Stuttgart vs Celtic prediction below.
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Stuttgart vs Celtic prediction: An easy night for the hosts
Key Stats
- Stuttgart have won four of their last five home matches in all competitions.
- Celtic have lost two matches in a row for the first time under Martin O'Neill this season.
- More than two goals have been scored in each of Stuttgart's last five matches in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Stuttgart 3-0 Celtic
Following their 4-1 defeat in the first leg, Celtic produced another rancid display at the weekend as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Hibernian. O'Neill could even decide to play a weakened team on Thursday, which only increases the chances of a comfortable home win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic start as rank outsiders
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
- AWAY: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Stuttgart vs Celtic odds reflect the hosts' superiority on paper. Ladbrokes have given Stuttgart a 71.4% chance of winning the match on Thursday night, while Celtic have been given just a 14.3% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A fourth meeting
This will be the fourth time that Celtic and Stuttgart have faced each other, with the German side currently holding a 2-1 advantage in the overall H2H record. Prior to last week, the last time these two sides had met was during the 2002/03 edition of the UEFA Cup (now Europa League). On that occasion, Celtic came out on top across the two legs despite losing the away leg 3-2.
UEFA Europa League 19/02/26
Celtic
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart preview: Midfield dynamo to miss out
Angelo Stiller was arguably the best player on the pitch at Celtic Park last week, but the German midfielder is expected to miss this match due to injury. Stiller joins Justin Diehl, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Lazar Jovanovic in the treatment room, while Jeff Chabot is suspended.
Predicted lineup: Nubel (GK), Assignon, Jacquez, Jeltsch, Mittelstadt, Andres, Karazor, El Khannouss, Undav, Fuhrich, Demirovic
Last five results
- 22/02/26: Heidenheim 3-3 Stuttgart (Bundesliga)
- 19/02/26: Celtic 1-4 Stuttgart (UEFA Europa League)
- 14/02/26: Stuttgart 3-1 FC Koln (Bundesliga)
- 07/02/26: St Pauli 2-1 Stuttgart (Bundesliga)
- 04/02/26: Holstein Kiel 0-3 Stuttgart (DFB-Pokal)
Celtic preview: O'Neill to throw the towel in?
There must be a temptation here to field a second-string XI, but O'Neill's pride may well prevent him from doing that. There is a very high chance that this will be the 73-year-old's final European fixture as a manager, and if he is to bow out in style, then he will have to do it without the injured quintet of Alistair Johnston, Arne Engels, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum Osmand, and Jota.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Bernardo, Maeda, Nygren, Tounekti, Cvancara
Last five results
- 22/02/26: Celtic 1-2 Hibernian (Scottish Premiership)
- 19/02/26: Celtic 1-4 Stuttgart (UEFA Europa League)
- 15/02/26: Kilmarnock 2-3 Celtic (Scottish Premiership)
- 11/02/26: Celtic 2-1 Livingston (Scottish Premiership)
- 07/02/26: Celtic 2-1 Dundee FC (Scottish Cup)
Player to watch: Daizen Maeda
If Celtic are to prove me and the bookies wrong on Thursday night, then they will need their best attacking player to step up to the plate. Daizen Maeda has had a poor season by his standards but if he can produce his absolute best here, then Celtic have a glimmer of hope.