The Europa League knockout playoffs continue this Thursday with an intriguing clash between Celtic and VfB Stuttgart. Both sides are eager to secure a place in the last 16, and the first leg at Celtic Park promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Scottish champions finished their league stage campaign with three wins, two draws, and three defeats, while the German visitors narrowly missed automatic qualification after collecting five victories from eight matches. With both teams in strong domestic form, this tie could deliver plenty of goals and drama.

Celtic’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Celtic approach this European fixture in excellent shape, unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions. Their recent 3-2 comeback win against Kilmarnock highlighted their resilience and attacking depth. Over that run, they have recorded seven wins and three draws, averaging 2.4 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game. In the Europa League, the Hoops’ record stands at three wins, two draws, and three losses, with an average of 1.6 goals scored and 1.9 conceded per match.

At home, Celtic Park has been a fortress. The team has won four and drawn one of their last five matches there, scoring freely and entertaining their supporters. In European competition, over 1.5 goals have been scored in each of their last 24 Europa League fixtures, and the same trend continues in their last 13 home games. The Hoops have also found the net in 26 of their last 28 matches, underlining their attacking consistency. Their first-half performances have been particularly strong, leading at the break in nine of their last eleven games.

Despite their attacking prowess, Celtic’s defensive record in Europe remains a concern. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in the current Europa League campaign, and their last three two-legged European ties have ended without victory. However, the presence of experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been vital, with the Dane making 30 saves in the group stage—one of the highest tallies in the competition. Up front, Benjamin Nygren’s form has been a major boost, with the Swedish forward contributing three goals and an assist in the Europa League, and 16 goals overall this season.

VfB Stuttgart’s Recent Form and Key Stats

VfB Stuttgart arrive in Glasgow on the back of a 3-1 Bundesliga win over FC Köln, their fifth victory in six matches. Their attacking unit has been in fine form, averaging 2.2 goals scored and just 1.0 conceded per game in their last five outings. In the Europa League, Stuttgart’s record of five wins and three defeats reflects a side capable of dominating opponents, with an average of 1.9 goals scored and 1.1 conceded per match.

However, their away form in Europe has been less convincing. The German side have lost three of their last four Europa League away games, though they have managed five wins in their last seven away fixtures across all competitions. Their matches tend to be open and entertaining, with over 1.5 goals scored in each of their last twelve away games in the competition. Furthermore, goals have been scored in the second half in all of their last ten matches, showing their ability to stay dangerous until the final whistle.

Stuttgart’s attacking strength lies in the partnership between Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic, who have combined for 37 goals and assists this season. With creative support from wingers Chris Fuhrich and Jamie Leweling, the visitors possess multiple threats in the final third. However, they must be cautious, as four of their players are one booking away from suspension, including key midfielder Angelo Stiller and defender Max Mittelstädt.

Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart Analysis and Prediction

Both teams come into this tie in excellent domestic form and with plenty of attacking confidence. Celtic have been prolific at home, while Stuttgart have shown they can score against any opponent. Historically, their only previous European meeting came in 2003, when Celtic advanced 5-4 on aggregate despite losing 3-2 in Germany. That tie was full of goals, and the current form of both sides suggests another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.

Statistically, the trends point towards an open game. Celtic’s last 24 Europa League matches have all produced at least two goals, and Stuttgart’s last twelve away fixtures in the competition have followed the same pattern. Both teams have scored in the majority of their recent matches, and neither side has shown defensive dominance in Europe this season. With Celtic’s attacking momentum and Stuttgart’s dynamic forward line, the likelihood of both teams finding the net is high.

Given these factors, the most logical betting angle appears to be in the goals market. The combination of Celtic’s home scoring record and Stuttgart’s attacking form makes Both Teams To Score a strong option. Additionally, with both sides averaging over two goals per game recently, Over 2.5 goals also looks promising for those seeking higher returns.

Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 62% probability.