VfB Stuttgart vs Celtic Prediction: German Representative Reasserts Strength in Europa League
VfB Stuttgart aims to secure all three points against Celtic at MHPArena to consolidate their position in the top group, based on their impressive form and home advantage.
VfB Stuttgart will host Celtic in the UEFA Europa League at 00:45 on February 27, 2026, at the MHPArena stadium. The match takes place against a backdrop of the German team being in excellent form and holding a significant psychological advantage after their dominant victory in their last encounter.
Current league position and form
Currently, VfB Stuttgart is ranked 11th in the league table with 15 points. The German team has shown incredible consistency with a streak of 4 wins and 1 loss in their last 5 matches. Notably, Stuttgart is particularly strong when playing at MHPArena, with 4 home wins this season.
Conversely, Celtic are struggling in 21st place with just 11 points. The Scottish side's form has been inconsistent, with only 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last 5 matches. Celtic's away form is also questionable, as they have only managed one away win in 9 games this season.
Analysis of goal-scoring performance and head-to-head history.
VfB Stuttgart's attack is performing effectively, averaging 2.1 goals per game (19 goals in 9 matches). Meanwhile, Celtic's defense is showing many weaknesses, having conceded 19 goals, equivalent to a rate of 2.1 goals conceded per game.
Historically, Stuttgart's most recent encounters favor them. On February 20, 2026, Stuttgart thrashed Celtic 4-1 away from home. This result reflects the significant difference in skill level between the two teams at the present time.
Team situation: A headache due to injuries.
Both teams entered this match with lengthy absence lists, directly impacting the coaches' tactical planning.
VfB Stuttgart
The home team will be without J. Chabot due to accumulating too many yellow cards. In addition, center-back D. Zagadou is definitely absent due to a muscle injury. A number of other players, including J. Diehl, M. Herwerth, L. Jovanovic, and especially key midfielder A. Stiller, are still doubtful due to fitness issues and a back injury.
Celtic
Celtic's situation is even worse. They've lost key defensive players like C. Carter-Vickers (Achilles tendon injury) and A. Johnston (hamstring injury). In addition, creative players like Jota (knee injury) and A. Engels are also unavailable, significantly weakening the visitors' attacking strength.
Analysis and prediction of results
With the home advantage at MHPArena and an attack in good form, VfB Stuttgart is predicted to completely control the game. Celtic, with a makeshift defense and poor away form, is unlikely to spring a surprise against the disciplined German style of play.
Experts estimate Stuttgart's chances of winning at 50%, while a draw is also considered 50%. However, based on the scoring performance of both teams, this match promises to have more than 1.5 goals scored.
| Match information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time | 00:45 on February 27, 2026 |
| Location | MHprarena |
| Predict the result | VfB Stuttgart wins |
Team lineup updated at 00:15 on February 27, 2026.
Official lineup
VfB Stuttgart
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachSebastian Hoeness
Starting lineup:
- 33. Alexander Nubel (G)
- 4. Josha Vagnoman (D)
- 29. Finn Jeltsch (D)
- 14. Luca Jacques (D)
- 7. Maximilian Mittelstädt (D)
- 16. Atakan Karazor (M)
- 30. Chema Andrés (M)
- 27. Badredine Bouanani (M)
- 8. Tiago Tomás (M)
- 18. Jamie Leweling (M)
- 26. Deniz Undav (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Fabian Bredlow
- 44. Florian Hellstern
- 2. Ameen Al-Dakhil
- 3. Ramon Hendriks
- 6. Angelo Stiller
- 10. Chris Führich
- 11. Bilal El Khannouss
- 22. Lorenz Assignment
- 28. Nikolas Nartey
- 35. Mirza Ćatović
- 9. Ermedin Demirović
Celtic
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachMartin O'Neill
Starting lineup:
- 12. Viljami Sinisalo (G)
- 51. Colby Donovan (D)
- 6. Auston Trusty (D)
- 47. Dane Murray (D)
- 36. Marcelo Saracchi (D)
- 42. Callum McGregor (M)
- 14. Luke McCowan (M)
- 38. Daizen Maeda (M)
- 41. Reo Hatate (M)
- 13. Yang Hyun-Jun (M)
- 9. Junior Adamu (F)
Substitutes:
- 1. Kasper Schmeichel
- 5. Liam Scales
- 56. Anthony Ralston
- 63. Kieran Tierney
- 23. Sebastian Tounekti
- 28. Paulo Bernardo
- 49. James Forrest
- 50. Sean McCardle
- 8. Benjamin Nygren
- 11. Tomáš Čvančara
- 17. Kelechi Iheanacho
- 52. Thomas Hatton