Koln lost almost half of their road clashes last season and revealed plenty of defensive weakspots in August. Stuttgart beat this opponent in both h2h games last campaign, so I feel comfortable backing them to collect three points on Friday.
Key Stats
- Stuttgart have won 5 of their last 8 matches (including pre-season).
- Stuttgart have won 5 of their last 6 matches against Koln.
- Stuttgart have seen BTTS in their last 3 matches against Koln.
- Koln have lost 4 of their last 8 away matches (Bundesliga).
- Koln have seen BTTS in 14 of their last 15 matches (including pre-season).
Koln Edge H2H
These two clubs locked horns 108 times so far and Koln have a minimal 41-40 advantage, while 27 encounters ended without a winner.
Hosts Warming up for the UCL Action
The previous season was solid for Stuttgart who finished 4th in Bundesliga and advanced to the UEFA Champions League group stages, while they also reached the German Cup finals and lost to Bayern Munich 3-0.
The Swabians cruised past Hansa Rostock 4-0 in their season-opening clash in the DFB Pokal two weeks ago, summer signing Dzenan Pejcinovic scoring a hat-trick, Tomas Tiago also on target.
They didn't offer any resistance against the reigning champions Bayern Munich last Friday though, losing 5-1 in the Bundesliga first round. Josha Vagnoman scored a consolation goal.
Billy Goats Had Poor Road Record Last Season
Koln struggled in their first official appearance this season against Wurzburger Kickers in the German Cup, were behind at half-time but scored two unanswered goals to take 2-1 win.
The Billy Goats once again had defensive problems in the Bundesliga opening round at home against Hoffenheim, conceded an early goal but once again delivered in the second half to win 3-2. Thijs Dallinga was the hero, needing just 16 minutes to net a brace (substituted in the 66th minute).
Koln finished the previous campaign in 14th place just three points above the relegation zone, winning just two out of 17 matches on the road (19-33 goal difference).
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Stuttgart (3-4-2-1) Fabian Bredlow; Finn Jeltsch, Jeff Chabot, Ramon Hendriks; Josha Vagnoman, Grischa Promel, Angelo Stiller, Maximilian Mittelstadt; Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav; Dzenan Pejcinovic
Dan-Axel Zagadou, Justin Diehl, and Nikolas Nartey ruled out through injury for the home side. Summer signing Dzenan Pejcinovic will likely lead the attack, Ermedin Demirovic starting on bench.
Dan-Axel Zagadou, Justin Diehl, and Nikolas Nartey ruled out through injury for the home side. Summer signing Dzenan Pejcinovic will likely lead the attack, Ermedin Demirovic starting on bench.
Koln (4-2-3-1) Marvin Schwabe; Alessio Castro-Montes, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Luka Lochoshvili, Gideon Mensah; Ellyes Skhiri, Tom Krauss; Jan Thielmann, Isak Johannesson, Said El Mala; Thijs Dallinga
Koln's defenders Timo Hubers and Sebastian Sebulonsen didn't travel to Stuttgart due to injuries, while Gian-Luca Waldschmidt is doubtful.
Koln's defenders Timo Hubers and Sebastian Sebulonsen didn't travel to Stuttgart due to injuries, while Gian-Luca Waldschmidt is doubtful.