Stuttgart vs FC Cologne – News and Probable Lineups

Bundesliga action on Saturday night sees VfB Stuttgart aiming to continue their pursuit of Champions League qualification as they take on FC Koln at the MHP Arena.

Last weekend, Stuttgart found themselves pushed out of the top four following an unexpected loss to St Pauli, whereas Koln hopes to create some distance from the relegation zone.

Match overview

Only six points separate Hoffenheim in third and Bayer Leverkusen in sixth, intensifying the competition for Champions League spots.

Stuttgart sits right in the mix of this contest for the top four and has been performing impressively in recent weeks.

Under the guidance of Sebastian Hoeness, the team enjoyed a streak of four victories in five Bundesliga matches, although their momentum was halted by a 2-1 defeat at St Pauli.

The aim now is to bounce back, and Stuttgart can feel optimistic given they possess the league’s third-best home record, having won seven out of ten home fixtures.

Moreover, Stuttgart remains unbeaten in their last six encounters against Koln, winning the most recent meeting last September.

Currently, Koln holds the 10th position in the league table but remains at risk of being drawn into a relegation battle.

With only four points separating Koln from the relegation zone, the team has managed just two wins in their last twelve Bundesliga matches—a concerning situation for head coach Lukas Kwasniok.

Both victories have come in the last month, as Koln earned home wins against Mainz 05 and Wolfsburg to slightly improve their league standing.

A significant issue for Kwasniok’s squad is their poor away record, having achieved only two wins from ten away games. In fact, Koln has not secured an away victory since October.

Compounding their woes, the Billy Goats have not won away at Stuttgart since 2015.

Stuttgart Bundesliga form:

W W D W W L

Stuttgart form (all competitions):

L W W W W L

FC Koln Bundesliga form:

D L W L W L

FC Koln form (all competitions):

D L W L W L

Team News

Stuttgart has had a relatively injury-free season but still heads into this match without a couple of long-term absentees.

Dan-Axel Zagadou is still in recovery from a thigh injury, and Lazar Jovanovic is dealing with a back issue.

Star striker Deniz Undav is expected to play a key role, aiming to add to his impressive record of six goal contributions in the last five matches.

In contrast, FC Koln faces a more extensive injury list, with Kwasniok set to miss several players for the match.

Alessio Castro-Montes is sidelined due to a muscle injury, and defender Timo Hubers is continuing to deal with a knee issue.

Luca Kilian has been absent for the entire season with a knee injury, while new recruit Jahmai Simpson-Pusey managed just three games before suffering a thigh injury.

Stuttgart probable starting XI:

Cloudy; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Chema; Leweling, El Khannouss, Fuhrich; Step

FC Koln probable starting XI:

Swabian; Zebulonsen, Van den Berg, Ozkacar; Thielmann, Martel, Krauss, Kaminski, Lund; Oh, Bulter

FC Koln, winless in their last six away games, faces a tough challenge against Stuttgart.

The hosts have secured victories in four of their last six home fixtures, and it is anticipated that this trend will persist.