O’Neill Should Rotate His Squad | Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face VfB Stuttgart | OneFootball

After a few late escapes, Celtic are finally running out of luck, having suffered back-to-back defeats against VfB Stuttgart and Hibernian in their respective Europa League and Premiership encounters. The streak might continue on Thursday night, with the Hoops set to travel to Germany to lock horns with the Bundesliga hotshots in the return leg of the playoff round.

Despite the lack of quality across the pitch, Martin O’Neill is trying hard to get things back on track. However, a 1-4 home defeat in the first leg leaves little hope in Europe, as the gaffer should keep his squad fit and fresh for the weekend’s crucial Old Firm clash with Rangers.

Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Stuttgart

Defence

Kasper Schmeichel is in disastrous form, yet the veteran Irish boss has not dropped him in favour of Viljami Sinisalo. With several key domestic outings lined up in March, the Danish ‘number 1’ might be deployed once again to help him recover his form and revive confidence.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Yang Hyun-Jun of Celtic passes the ball whilst under pressure from Ramon Hendriks of VfB Stuttgart during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Colby Donovan could be restored as a right fullback in favour of resting Julian Araujo after a busy couple of months since his loan move from Bournemouth. Auston Trusty, suspended this weekend, should keep his place in the heart of the backline. But Liam Scales, his central defensive partner, could be rotated with Dane Murray, with winter recruit Benjamin Arthur not eligible to play in Europe. Marcelo Saracchi deserves a nod down the left, having impressed as Kieran Tierney’s understudy across competitions.

Midfield

Celtic have not included Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in their Europa League squad, and a thigh injury has ruled Arne Engels out for weeks. Paulo Bernardo, who was handed a rare start in the home tie, should feature again as a box-to-box midfielder. Luke McCowan has primarily been involved as a ‘super sub’, but the versatile Scotsman might be preferred over Benjamin Nygren for the other ‘number 8’ spot. The latter must be protected for the Rangers fixture, whereas Reo Hatate has lately lost his place due to a dreadful run of form in the middle of the park. Skipper Callum McGregor remains irreplaceable, as he must orchestrate the tempo from the base as a deep-lying playmaker.

Attack

Amid uncertainty over Kelechi Iheanacho’s availability with persistent injury problems, Tomas Cvancara might spearhead the attack, given his experience in German football.  Hyun-Jun Yang should be utilised from the right, and the struggling Daizen Maeda could return to the starting XI as a left winger. Junior Adamu, James Forrest and Sebastian Tounekti are among the attacking alternatives who could be introduced as the second-half substitutes.