Friday’s Bundesliga action will take place at the MHPArena. VfB Stuttgart are looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat when they play host to Köln.
Stuttgart already dealing with multiple injuries
Despite this being very early in the new campaign, VfB Stuttgart are already having to cope with a minor injury crisis. Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen and Justin Diehl will miss out again this Friday. The hosts have additional doubts over Nikolas Nartey, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Luca Jaquez, Lorenz Assignon and Jeremy Arévalo.
With Champions League football starting next week, it’s a difficult situation for Sebastian Hoeneß. He used a back three in the 5-1 defeat away to Bayern München last time out, but will switch to a 4-2-3-1 system here.
Dženan Pejčinović is set to lead the line. He didn’t get much service in Bavaria on matchday one, but registered eight goals in 30 appearances for Die Roten last term. Key man Deniz Undav will offer support from a slightly deeper role.
VfB Stuttgart predicted lineup vs Köln (4-2-3-1): Bredlow; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Stiller, Prömel; Leweling, Undav, Tiago Tomás; Pejčinović.
Köln to turn to Dallinga after dream Bundesliga debut
There was a 3-2 victory for Köln on the opening weekend, when they came from behind to see off Hoffenheim. Their hero was loanee Thijs Dallinga, who came off the bench to score twice in his first appearance in the German top flight.
René Wagner will place his faith in the 26-year-old from the start here. Said El Mala and Jan Thielmann are ready to complete the front three. El Mala was one of the stars of last season for Die Geißböcke, with 13 goals in 34 league appearances.
The visitors will almost certainly have to cope without Luca Waldschmidt, Timo Hübers and Sebastian Sebulonsen due to injuries again. They have no fresh fitness issues.
Köln predicted lineup vs VfB Stuttgart (4-3-3): Schwäbe; Castro-Montes, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Mensah; Okon-Engstler, Krauß, Jóhannesson; Thielmann, Dallinga, El Mala.
VfB Stuttgart vs Köln Prediction
- Safe Tip: Both teams to score
- Odds: 1.47 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: VfB Stuttgart 2-2 Köln
- 22Bet Booking Code: YKRQ6
Key stats:
- The previous three meetings between these clubs have seen both teams score.
- Köln have netted at least once in five of their past six trips to Stuttgart.
- Since the start of pre-season, VfB Stuttgart fixtures have averaged 4.44 goals per game.
VfB Stuttgart’s last six league games have seen both teams score. Backing a repeat is a safe pick for this Friday’s match, with Hoeneß sure to continue with his positive approach, despite numerous selection issues.
Köln have enough firepower in their ranks to exploit the home team’s defensive cracks. Including friendlies, four of their past five encounters have seen both teams find the net. All of their latest 11 Bundesliga fixtures have also served up at least one goal for each side.
VfB Stuttgart vs Köln Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Köln to win or draw
- Odds: 2.674 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: HH6Q6
Backing Köln to avoid defeat offers value at odds of 2.674. They’ve impressed in recent weeks, with six wins and a draw from their seven outings since the start of pre-season.
Taking their many fitness problems into account, VfB Stuttgart don’t justify their status as such overwhelming favourites. They’ve only won two of their previous seven competitive matches.
Verdict: Both teams to score (1.47) — VfB Stuttgart 2-2 Köln
