Stuttgart – FC Koln : Preview & Prediction
Currently in the relegation zone, Stuttgart’s dismal winless run in the Bundesliga was extended to six games (E2, P4) with a 2-1 loss to Freiburg, another instance in which the southwest German side were the architects of their own downfall. They took the lead in their most recent match before squandering the points by awarding two second-half penalties and, as a result, by the end of the weekend, no Bundesliga side had won fewer games than them after scoring first this season (G2, E2, P2).
Midfielder Chris Führich defiantly declared that they must “build on the positives and move forward,” but that appears to be increasingly difficult. The relegation-threatened team is two points worse off than at this stage of their previous campaign, a poor season in which they avoided relegation only on goal difference. A favorable history in this recent history supported by the fact that they have accumulated seven points from their last three top flight home encounters (G2, E1) against Cologne could be the inspiration they need to end their poor run.
However, Cologne have transformed into a different team since the World Cup break and are on an unbeaten run in the Bundesliga (G2, E3) that is second only to Bayern Munich’s performance. Goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe has attributed this upturn to the team no longer having to worry about European competitions, as was the case during the first half of the season, and admitted that some tactical “modifications” had been made to improve a defense that has allowed just two goals in its last five league games, underlined by three consecutive clean sheets prior to this clash.
While things have improved for the visitors, who are now in mid-table, their away form remains a problem. Only two teams in the league have waited longer to win away from home (E3, P4), but perhaps this is the chance to correct that given that Cologne have won more Bundesliga away games against Stuttgart than against any other team (14).
Players to watch: Stuttgart midfielder Atakan Karazor picked up his seventh yellow card of the Bundesliga last time out; only three players have more cautions before this match. Cologne’s Ellyes Skhiri has scored more Bundesliga goals (five) during 2023 than any other player.
Key fact: Coach Bruno Labbadia could become the first Stuttgart coach to fail to win any of his first six league games in the club’s history.
Stuttgart – FC Koln : Betting Tips
Stuttgart – Win Odds: 2.25
