Stuttgart are targeting their first win in this season’s Champions League as they welcome Sparta Prague to MHPArena on Tuesday. The Germans have looked solid enough lately and while Sparta can make things tricky, a home win is still expected here.
Stuttgart began their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid. While they were expected to lose to the current champions, the display showed plenty of promise and manager Sebastian Hoeness will be keen to build on that performance for the rest of the tournament.
That result has been the only defeat for Stuttgart in the last five matches as they have claimed three wins in that run. They have also won their last two home matches, including a 5-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their most recent fixture in front of their fans.
Sparta Prague were rampant in their opening fixture as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Salzburg. Kasper Kairinen and Victor Olatunji gave them a two-goal lead at the break before Qazim Laci added a third in the second half.
It has been an overall solid start to the season for Sparta Prague, who have lost just once across all competitions this season. However, that defeat came last weekend as Lars Friis’ men were beaten 3-2 at home by Sigma Olomouc in a Czech Liga fixture.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Stuttgart
Stuttgart have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 2/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Sparta Prague is valued at 5/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 100/30 for a draw.
Head to head: Only one meeting
There has been only one previous meeting between Stuttgart and Sparta Prague, with the Czech side claiming a 2-0 victory in a friendly back in 2023.
Players to watch: Undav on fire
Deniz Undav has been one of the standout players for Stuttgart this season and carries much of the attacking threat. The forward has five goals in the last four matches and is priced at 23/20 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Sparta Prague have also shown some attacking quality this season, with Olatunji scoring four goals across all competitions so far. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on at 3/1 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Stuttgart will be without defenders Dan Axel Zagadou and Leonidas Stergiou, who are both sidelined with injury. Undav should return to partner Emerdin Demirovic in attack after coming off the bench last weekend while Julian Chabot should continue at the back.
Olatunji is expected to lead the line once again for Sparta Prague with Lukas Haraslin and Veljko Birmancevic providing support. Laci is set to feature in midfield while Filip Panak should retain his place in defence.
VfB Stuttgart: Nubel, Vagnoman, Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt, Rieder, Fuhrich, Stiller, Lewelling, Demirovic, Undav
Sparta Prague: Vindahl, Vitik, Panak, Zeleny, Wiesner, Laci, Kairinen, Preciado, Haraslin, Birmancevic, Olatunji.
Anything else catch the eye?
Stuttgart and Sparta Prague have plenty of attacking quality and are expected to produce goals on Tuesday. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 11/4 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 6/5 for over 3.5 goals.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Stuttgart victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 13/8 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between VfB Stuttgart and Sparta Prague will be played on Oct 1, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best VfB Stuttgart vs Sparta Prague prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
