Celtic (home)
- Celtic have taken 12 points from their last four Scottish Premiership matches to stay in the title race on 54 points after 26 games.
- Martin O’Neill’s Celtic are in great form domestically, but have been inconsistent in European action.
- In Europe, Celtic have been leaky at the back, exposed in a 4-2 loss at Utrecht.
- Kasper Schmeichel has marshaled a new defensive line that has kept recent clean sheets, but the big Dane will face a stern test on Thursday.
Stuttgart (away)
- Stuttgart are flying high in the Bundesliga, sitting in the top six with around 39 points after 21 - 22 matches.
- Sebastian Hoeneß’s side have five wins in their last six across all competitions, but their only slip-up in the past six was at St. Pauli.
- The Swabians have scored at will lately, recording a 3-2 win in Bern against Young Boys and a 3-0 win at Holstein Kiel in the DFB-Pokal.
- Deniz Undav is their talisman and Jamie Leweling is a constant threat down the right.
Head-to-Head
Celtic and VfB Stuttgart meet for only the third time in European competitions, having split the two UEFA Cup ties in 2002 - 03 .
Key Players
- Both teams are close to full strength, although Stuttgart are still without Dan-Axel Zagadou and have a few doubts, while Celtic’s January signings add some fresh legs to their bench.
- Celtic
- Kasper Schmeichel has marshaled a new defensive line that has kept recent clean sheets.
- Julian Araujo’s overlapping runs can provide width and late-game momentum.
- Stuttgart
- Deniz Undav is their talisman in attack.
- Jamie Leweling is a constant threat down the right.
- Angelo Stiller can provide midfield control and a creative spark.
- Maximilian Mittelstädt’s cross-field delivery from wide areas should be a factor.
Betting Insights
- We’ve settled on an away win as the most likely outcome of this first-leg clash.
- The 2.12 odds on the away side look slightly generous.
- There’s not a lot between Celtic at 3.25 and the draw at 3.5, reflecting Stuttgart’s superior overall quality.
- Both Teams To Score is heavy in the markets at around 1.62, reflecting attacking intent and defensive vulnerability on both sides.
Prediction
- An away win for Stuttgart is the preferred pick given their recent form and depth.
- A home win with a goal apiece is the preferred correct-score play.
- Control of the midfield will decide this game.
