Preview: VfB Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Europa League 2025-26 Play-offs second leg

The Reds dominated the proceedings during their previous encounter against the Celts.

VfB Stuttgart are now going to have a face-off against Celtic for their second leg playoffs fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League. This is going to be an entertaining outing, taking place at the MHPArena.

The Reds performed really well in the first leg. This time around, they will be at home, making things a bit easier for them.

They conceded a goal, but scored four in return to secure a dominating win. VfB Stuttgart will enter their next game with confidence and will be aiming to secure a win.

The Celts performed poorly against the Reds in their last match. They will have to work hard in their upcoming UEFA Europa League clash.

The Celtic Football Club will be under pressure for their next contest, as they will be away from home. They are down by three goals, and it is going to be a tough outing for them.

Kick-off:

• Location: Stuttgart, Germany
• Stadium: MHP Arena
• Date: Thursday, February 26
• Kick-off Time: 11:15 p.m. IST/ 05:45 p.m. GMT/ 12:45 p.m. ET/ 09:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: TBA
• VAR: In use

Form:

Stuttgart: W-L-W-W-D

Celtic: W-W-W-L-L

Players to Watch

Bilal El Khannouss (VfB Stuttgart)

Bilal El Khannouss scored a sensational brace during the first leg and will be gearing up to help his side yet again. He can control the midfield well and is also capable of scoring goals. El Khannouss will lead the attack from the right and is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.

Moroccan magic. 🧙‍♂️🇲🇦#VfB | #StuttgartInternational | #UEL | #CELVfB | 1-2 pic.twitter.com/nz7M225cMV

— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) February 19, 2026

Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)

Benjamin Nygren has now scored in back-to-back games for the Celtic Football Club, although the results were not in their favour. He will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side make a comeback against the Reds. In nine UEFA Europa League appearances this season, he has scored four goals.

Match Facts

• VfB Stuttgart are unbeaten in their last three matches.
• Celtic FC have lost both of their last two games.
• The Reds now have two wins to their name in three meetings against the Celts.

Stuttgart vs Celtic: Betting Tips and Odds

• VfB Stuttgart to win @21/50 bet365
• Goals over 3.5 @1/1 bet365
• Bilal El Khannouss to score @7/4 bet365

Injury and Team News

Lazar Jovanovic, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Justin Diehl are not going to be in action for VfB Stuttgart due to their injuries. Jeff Chabot is suspended. Angelo Stiller might also miss out due to a lack of fitness.

Celtic FC will miss out on the services of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Callum Osmand, Arne Engels, Alistair Johnston and Adam Montgomery. They are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 3

Stuttgart won: 2

Celtic won: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Stuttgart predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Nübel (GK); Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Jaquez, Hendriks; Karazor, Stiller; El Khannouss, Undav, Leweling; Demirovic

Celtic predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Schmeichel (GK); Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Bernardo; Maeda, Nygren, Tounekti; Cvancara

Match Prediction

The Reds will be gunning for a win, and the visitors will be under pressure. VfB Stuttgart are likely to come out on top to outplay Celtic FC in their upcoming UEFA Europa League playoffs clash.

Prediction: Stuttgart 3-1 Celtic

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Middle East/North Africa: beIN Sports

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