Real Madrid kick off the defence of their UEFA Champions League crown with a clash against Stuttgart and the German side will need to defy the odds to emerge unscathed from the Bernabeu.
Few teams in Europe could live with Carlo Ancelotti's side last term and the only defeats they suffered in the whole campaign came against city rivals Atletico.
Real Madrid then made an impressive strong even stronger by landing Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer and snapping up Brazilian wonderkid Endrick from Palmeiras.
But new Galactico Mbappe has made an underwhelming start and Real Madrid are already four points behind Barcelona in La Liga after drawing two of their first four games so far.
That might give Stuttgart a little hope but the Bundesliga side have also started poorly in the new campaign, their only victory in the first four games coming against minnows Preussen Mun in the German Cup.
How the bookies view it: No giant-killing here
It's no surprise to see the European champions at just 2/7 with Stuttgart to win. Stuttgart are whopping 9/1 outsiders and even the draw is hefty at 5/1.
Head to head: Real Madrid on a roll against German sides
These sides have never faced off in European competition but Real Madrid defeated Union Berlin home and away in last season's group stage then beat German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals and final.
Players to watch: Mbappe has a point to prove
Bernabeu new boy Mbappe will be out to impress after being benched by France for their Nations League clash with Belgium. Although he hasn't dazzled yet for Real Madrid, the superstar still has three goals, including a double against Betis that brought up a bet for Andy. He will be odds-against when the bookies price up the anytime scorer market but might be worth backing for two or more goals.
Deniz Undav should lead the line for Stuttgart and the former Brighton man looks their best bet for a goal. He netted in the German Super Cup against Bayer Leverkusen and will be out to impress on another big stage.
Probable line-ups
Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of Jude Bellingham after injury stopped him from reporting for England duty. Fellow midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are also doubts along with defender David Alaba.
Stuttgart will be hoping defender Leonidas Stergiou is fit to return but Nikolas Nartey and Ameen Al-Dakhil remain out.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Guler, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Stuttgart: Nubel, Mittelstadt, Stenzel, Chabot, Chase, Stiller, Millot, Karazor, Leweling, Fuhrich, Undav.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's hard finding value with Real Madrid such heavy favourites but backing the Spanish giants to win both halves pays a decent 6/4. Combining the home win with under 3.5 goals also pays 7/5 in a Betfred bet builder and that might stand a chance with Ancelotti's side still searching for top form.
For a longer-odds option, Bet365 are offering 3/1 on Real Madrid scoring a penalty and that could be worth a punt given Stuttgart's defence will be under a lot of pressure.
This UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Stuttgart will be played on Sep 17, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Stuttgart prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
