Celtic vs Stuttgart: Predictions, Confirmed Lineups, Betting Tips, and Odds
Celtic will face Stuttgart in a crucial Europa League playoff match on Thursday, February 19. The match is set to kick off at 8 PM GMT and will be held at Parkhead in Glasgow. This encounter follows Celtic’s remarkable comeback victory against Kilmarnock, where they turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win, showcasing their resilience.
Celtic vs Stuttgart: Match Preview
Celtic, currently struggling for consistency, finished 21st in the Europa League standings. They have only managed one victory in their last ten home matches in knockout rounds of European competitions. Their recent form includes a thrilling 4-2 win over Utrecht, securing their place in this playoff against Stuttgart.
In contrast, Stuttgart finished 11th in their league phase, performing relatively well with 15 goals scored—joint-fourth highest in the tournament. They are coming into the match with momentum, having won five of their last six games, including a solid 3-1 victory against Cologne last weekend.
Betting Tips and Predictions
- Best Bet: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
- Best Player Bet: Deniz Undav to score.
- Longshot: Correct score 2-2.
With both teams showing a propensity for scoring, this match is expected to be high-scoring. Celtic’s last nine home games featured over 2.5 goals, while Stuttgart has also seen similar results in their recent fixtures. Both teams succeeded in scoring in six of Celtic’s eight league-phase games, adding to the anticipation for an entertaining clash.
Team News and Confirmed Lineups
Celtic
Celtic will miss Arne Engels due to a thigh injury and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is ineligible after missing the registration deadline.
- Confirmed Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Schmeichel
- Defenders: Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney
- Midfielders: Bernardo, McGregor (c), Nygren
- Forwards: Maeda, Cvancara, Tounekti
Stuttgart
Stuttgart welcomes back Nikolas Nartey, who has recovered from injury. However, January signing Jeremy Arevalo is not included in the squad.
- Confirmed Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Nubel
- Defenders: Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Hendriks
- Midfielders: Karazor (c), Stiller
- Forwards: El Khannouss, Undav, Leweling, Demirovic
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Celtic | Stuttgart |
|---|---|---|
| Home Wins in Last 10 Knockout Matches | 1 | – |
| Goals Scored in League Phase | – | 15 |
| Both Teams Scored in League Phase Matches | 6 of 8 | – |
| Recent Matches with 3+ Goals | 5 of last 6 | 4 of last 6 |
As the match approaches, fans eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling showdown at Parkhead. The outcome could significantly influence both teams’ hopes in the Europa League.
Catch the action live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, and get ready for an evening of exciting football. Remember to gamble responsibly.
