Who will win Celtic vs Stuttgart? Our writers make their predictions for Europa League showdown

It’s set to be another huge European night under the lights at Celtic Park against the Bundesliga outfit

Celtic continue a frantic February as they turn their attention back to the Europa League.

The Hoops are in the middle of a hectic schedule of fixtures as Martin O’Neill chases glory in three competitions.

Stuttgart are the visitors to Parkhead on Thursday night and the Germans will bring back happy memories for O’Neill – the Irishman was in charge when they beat the Bundesliga side on their way to the UEFA Cup final in Seville in 2003.

The following year Celtic defeated Barcelona to reach the quarter final but lost to Villarreal in the last eight and that started a nightmare 10-game run that has seen the Hoops fail to win a European knockout tie.

Can they end that against the Germans? Here, the Record Sport team deliver their big match predictions for the first leg.

Keith Jackson

Martin O’Neill is smart enough to realise he can’t win the Europa League this season, with this Celtic squad. So, while he’ll do what he can to bloody the nose of Bundesliga opposition, he’ll have one eye fixed on the drama of the domestic scene. He’d probably shake hands on a first leg draw right now – and might just get it.

Celtic 2-2 Stuttgart

Michael Gannon

Stuttgart are in slick form right now and, let’s face it, Celtic have bigger fish to deep fry in the coming fortnight. But this is Martin O’Neill in Europe and he’s already dug out some superb performances. It should make for a fairly open game and it might actually suit the Hoops to have a bit of freedom. The tie should be alive heading to Germany.

Celtic 2-2 Stuttgart

Scott McDermott

This is a tough one for Martin O’Neill who has already hinted that the Premiership title race is more of a priority than Europe. The problem for the Celtic gaffer is that his squad isn’t strong enough to rotate and if he plays fringe men against the Germans, they could suffer a heavy defeat. Stuttgart are fourth in the Bundesliga and in decent form.

In front men, Demirovic and Undav, they have dangerous players who can hurt Celtic. The home crowd will help O’Neill’s men but it’s hard not to see a first-leg defeat.

Celtic 1-2 Stuttgart

Scott Burns

Celtic will not get away with sloppy starts and having to save it at the death in Europe. If Martin O’Neill’s side is off it then they will be put to the sword. I just don’t think Celtic are strong enough defensively for this level.

Celtic 1 Stuttgart 2

Andy Newport

Martin O’Neill’s side might have been leaving things late lately but those last-gasp winners will have done wonders for the dressing room dynamic at Parkhead. However, they will have to be bang at it from the start against a German side flying high in fourth in the Bundesliga and in decent form too having lost just twice in their last 13 games.

Celtic 1 Stuttgart 1