Europa League 2025-2026: Celtic-Stuttgart, the likely lineups

At 9 p.m., under the spotlight of the Celtic Park, the highly anticipated showdown between Celtic and Stuttgart, a match valid for the first leg of the playoffs of the Europa League. The hosts, after snatching the playoff pass by overcoming Utrecht’Utrecht in the last round, want to continue their European path by exploiting the home factor, aiming to put pressure on the opponents right away and direct the qualification already in the first ninety minutes. The Germans can count on an excellent performance in the league: currently fourth in the standings, they aim to defend the position until the end of the season in order to win Champions League qualification.

The green-and-white coach Martin O’Neill will have to cope with unavailability: in addition to the long-suffering Johnstone and Jota, former Liverpool Oxlade-Chamberlain and Angels will not be in the match. The Northern Irish coach will rely on Schmeichel in goal, defense headed by Trusty and Scales, McGregor’s experience in midfield, Nygren supporting forward Cvancara.

The red-and-whites are also no less on the injured side: Zagadou and Jovanovic will not take part in the match due to a muscle and back problem, respectively. Sebastian Hoeneß will deploy his offensive 4-2-3-1: Nubel will defend the posts, Vagnoman and Mittlestadt as full-backs, Stiller to Karazor in the middle of the field, Leweling and Undav will have the task of serving the’only forward Demirovic.

Probable lineups

Celtic (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Hatate, McGregor; Maeda, Nygren, Tounekti; Cvancara. All. O’Neill.

VfB Stuttgart (4-2-3-1): Nubel; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Stiller, Karazor; Leweling, Undav, Fuhrich; Demirovic. All. Hoeneß