Celtic Host Stuttgart in Europa League Playoff First Leg

Celtic will host VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on Thursday evening for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout playoff tie, as both teams vie for a spot in the round of 16. The match kicks off at 8 p.m. local time, marking Celtic's return to European knockout action after securing their place through the league phase.

Under manager Martin O'Neill, who returned for a second stint at the club this season, Celtic have remained unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight wins and two draws. This strong run includes a crucial 4-2 victory over FC Utrecht in their final league phase game, which confirmed their playoff position as one of the unseeded teams. Celtic finished 21st in the league phase standings with 11 points from three wins, two draws, and three defeats. Their recent domestic form has also propelled them closer to the Scottish Premiership title race; a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Kilmarnock on the weekend featured three second-half goals, capped by Julian Araujo's 97th-minute winner, leaving Celtic just three points behind leaders Hearts.

Stuttgart, managed by Sebastian Hoeneß, enter the tie in solid form after a 3-1 Bundesliga victory...