Europa League Playoff Preview: Fenerbahçe vs Nottingham Forest & Celtic vs Stuttgart

The UEFA Europa League playoff round presents two tactically compelling first legs as Fenerbahçe host Nottingham Forest in Istanbul, while Celtic welcome Stuttgart to Glasgow. Both ties bring contrasting styles, strong individual narratives, and significant European implications.

For official competition information, visit UEFA Europa League.

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Fenerbahçe vs Nottingham Forest

Team News & Tactical Overview

Fenerbahçe are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system centred on midfield control. N’Golo Kanté and Matteo Guendouzi anchor the double pivot, offering stability and ball progression, while Fred operates as a transitional link between midfield and attack. Wide threat comes from Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who has registered five goal contributions in his last three matches and shares the team lead in Europa League scoring with four goals.

Anderson Talisca leads the line as the primary penalty-box presence, supported by Marco Asensio drifting inward to overload central channels. Fenerbahçe’s aggressive pressing approach is reflected in their competition-high disciplinary count, illustrating their willingness to disrupt rhythm early.

Nottingham Forest also favour a 4-2-3-1 but with greater vertical emphasis. Ibrahim Sangaré anchors midfield, allowing Nicolás Domínguez to progress possession toward Morgan Gibbs-White, who orchestrates transitions behind striker Igor Jesus.

Jesus has scored six Europa League goals this campaign, emerging as Forest’s decisive European figure. With Chris Wood unavailable, Forest may rely more heavily on movement and interior runs from Callum Hudson-Odoi and Omari Hutchinson to support attacking sequences.

Form & Match Dynamics

Fenerbahçe arrive unbeaten in six matches and have suffered only one defeat across all competitions in 2026. They have shown a tendency to strike early in Europa League matches, with the majority of their goals arriving in first halves.

Forest’s European campaign has been productive in attack, scoring 15 goals across eight matches and ranking among the competition leaders in shots on target. However, away form has fluctuated, and their ability to manage high-pressure environments remains a variable.

The contest may hinge on tempo. Early control would favour Fenerbahçe, while a prolonged, balanced match could suit Forest’s higher shot volume and late-game efficiency.

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Celtic vs Stuttgart

Team News & Tactical Overview

Celtic continue to manage defensive absences, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston unavailable. Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are expected to feature in central defence ahead of Kasper Schmeichel.

The Scottish side have relied heavily on structured attacking phases and set pieces in this competition. A significant proportion of their recent Europa League goals have originated from corners or penalties. Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren provide vertical progression from midfield, feeding wide runners Daizen Maeda and Hyun-jun Yang.

Stuttgart are without Dan-Axel Zagadou, while Jeff Chabot is likely to anchor a back three. Sebastian Hoeneß’s team emphasise patient buildup and late attacking surges, with Bilal El Khannouss operating between the lines behind Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović.

Form & Strategic Patterns

Celtic enter the tie unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions, scoring consistently but showing defensive vulnerability in Europe. They progressed through the league phase without recording a clean sheet.

Stuttgart have won five of their last six domestically but have struggled for consistency in continental away fixtures. Notably, the German side tend to grow into matches, with most of their recent goals arriving after half-time.

Historically, these sides last met in the 2002/03 UEFA Cup, when Celtic advanced on aggregate. This first leg appears evenly balanced: Celtic offer set-piece threat and home intensity, while Stuttgart bring composure and late-game efficiency.

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Match Outlook

Both playoff ties present stylistic contrasts. Fenerbahçe’s early control versus Forest’s sustained attacking output may define proceedings in Istanbul. In Glasgow, Celtic’s set-piece proficiency meets Stuttgart’s structured patience.

Margins at this stage are narrow. First-leg control, discipline, and transitional moments are likely to shape the direction of both ties ahead of their respective second legs.

Football outcomes are inherently uncertain. Consider form, match context, and responsible participation when engaging with competitive events.