Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what could prove to be an action-packed Europa League battle on Thursday night, Celtic will welcome Stuttgart to Glasgow.
Celtic
Starting with the hosts, while Celtic might have opened the New Year facing a major battle in the race to defend their Premiership crown this season, Martin O’Neil’s side have embarked on a stellar purple patch. Last seen over the weekend snatching a thrilling last-gasp 3-2 victory away at Kilmarnock, the Scottish giants are riding a major wave of momentum. Signing off their Europa League group stage adventure with an action-packed 4-2 win against Utrecht, Celtic have now won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. However, getting 2026 underway with an infamous 3-1 defeat against arch-rivals Rangers, O’Neil’s side will know the importance of finding some defensive steel. It should be noted, Thursday’s hosts have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their last seven outings across all fronts.
Celtic Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season and with O’Neil confirming that he still faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines, Portuguese attacker Jota will once again miss out here. Likewise, Canadian international Alistair Johnston remains on the sidelines with a long-term hamstring issue.
Making an immediate impact since completing a January loan switch from Bournemouth, Julian Araujo will start at right-back. Despite coming under plenty of scrutiny this season, veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will start between the sticks on Thursday night.
Stuttgart
As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend as they secured a thumping 3-1 victory at home against Koln, Stuttgart are enjoying their own extended flurry. Extending on their DFP Pokal adventure on February 4th as they claimed a 3-0 romp away at Kiel, Sebastian Hoeneb’s side have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Signing off their Europa League group stage campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory at home against Young Boys, Stuttgart should also be excited by their recent performances in the final third. Getting 2026 underway with a sensational 4-1 win away at former German champions Bayer Leverkusen, it should be noted that Hoeneb’s men have recorded at least a trio of goals in six of their first 10 matchups so far this calendar year.
Stuttgart Team News
Not making a single appearance since returning from November’s international break, French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. However, settling for a spot on the bench against Koln over the weekend, midfield talisman Angelo Stiller should be handed a full recall.
Bagging a Bundesliga brace on Saturday and notching four goals in his last five appearances across all competitions, former Augsburg striker Ermedin Demirovic will lead the line here. Completing a permanent switch from Rennes over the summer, Lorenz Assignon will start at left-back.
Celtic vs Stuttgart Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Glasgow will be the first time that Celtic and Rangers have met since way back in February 2003.
- Celtic have won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, Stuttgart have won five of their previous six matchups across all fronts.
- Die Roten have recorded at least a trio of goals in six of their first 10 matchups so far this calendar year.
- Thursday’s hosts have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their last seven outings across all competitions.
Conclusion
Two camps who will be looking to claim their own respective first-leg advantages on Thursday night, we could be treated to an enjoyable Europa League battle in Glasgow. While Celtic might have embarked on a real purple patch as they signed off their group stage adventure with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Utrecht on January 29th, the Scottish giants are searching for some defensive stability. Meeting a Stuttgart attack who have enjoyed an eye-catching run since opening the New Year, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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