Stuttgart – Hoffenheim : Preview & Prediction
Stuttgart continued their excellent form as they returned from the latest international break to record an impressive 3-0 win away to Union Berlin. That latest hat-trick has kept them in second place in the early standings, having won seven of their first eight league games (P1), as they continue to enjoy their best start to a Bundesliga campaign.
The main reason for their great start has been their attacking power, as the Baden-Württemberg side go into matchday nine with the second-highest goal tally in the competition (25). Fourteen of those have come courtesy of striker Serhou Guirassy, who is enjoying a record-breaking start to the season, but after suffering a hamstring injury last Saturday, he will not be able to make his presence felt here, which is a blow for the home side.
That will be a treat for visiting Hoffenheim, who have also enjoyed a good start to the campaign. A 3-1 loss at home to Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend despite taking the lead after three minutes may have discouraged them, but their record of 15 points so far (G5, P3) means they currently occupy sixth place in the standings.
Returning to European soccer for the first time in four years will be the ultimate goal this season, especially after a disappointing 12th place finish in the 2022/23 season. They come into this clash in fine away form with four consecutive Bundesliga wins to their credit, but this has traditionally been a difficult place for Hoffenheim, with no wins in their last six visits (E2, P4), so a positive result here could be a good sign for the coming rounds in this campaign.
Players to watch: With Guirassy out, Stuttgart could rely on Deniz Undav, who has three goals in 2023/24, all of them after the 65th minute. As for Hoffenheim, young Maximilian Beier was rewarded with a new long-term contract on Wednesday and has been in top form, scoring six league goals in total this campaign — the last two before the 10th min. of play.
Stuttgart – Hoffenheim : Betting Tips
Stuttgart – Win Odds: 1.80
