Match Preview: Slovan Bratislava vs Stuttgart (Champions League)

Fixture: Slovan Bratislava vs Stuttgart

Date: Tuesday, 21 January 2025

Kick-Off: 20:00 CET

Venue: Štadión Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia

A clash of contrasting fortunes unfolds as Slovan Bratislava hosts Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League. While the Slovakian champions aim to salvage pride from a disappointing campaign, Stuttgart eyes a strong finish to bolster their European credentials.

Manager: Vladimir Weiss

Form: Slovan Bratislava has endured a winless Champions League campaign, losing all six matches. Their recent friendly victories over Al-Shahania (3-1) and Al-Gharafa (2-1) have offered little solace amid their struggles.

Champions League Record: Six losses, four goals scored, and 21 conceded.

Injury News:

• Juraj Kucka: Out after knee surgery, expected to return mid-March 2025.
  

Manager: Sebastian Hoeneß

Form: Stuttgart comes into this match on the back of solid Bundesliga victories over Augsburg (1-0) and RB Leipzig (2-1). The German side has showcased attacking flair but continues to work on defensive stability.

Champions League Record: Seven points from six matches, including a dominant 5-1 win over Young Boys on Matchday 6.

Injury News:

• Maximilian Mittelstädt: Groin injury, sidelined until mid-February.
• Dan-Axel Zagadou: Knee injury, return expected early February.
• El Bilal Touré: Knock, ruled out until late March.
  

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Takáč
• Defenders: Kenan Bajrić, Guram Kashia, Kevin Wimmer, Cesar Blackman
• Midfielders: Kyriakos Savvidis, Marko Tolić, Vladimír Weiss, Sharani Zuberu
• Forwards: David Strelec, Idjessi Metsoko
  

• Goalkeeper: Alexander Nübel
• Defenders: Josh Vagnoman, Pascal Stenzel, Leonidas Stergiou, Angelo Stiller
• Midfielders: Chris Führich, Yannik Keitel, Fabian Rieder
• Forwards: Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, Ermedin Demirović
  

Style: Defensive approach, with a focus on counter-attacks and set-pieces. Weiss and Strelec are the primary creative outlets in the final third.

Key Players:

• Vladimír Weiss: A veteran with technical ability and an eye for set-piece opportunities.
• David Strelec: The team’s main striker who is capable of exploiting defensive lapses.

Weaknesses: Struggles to maintain possession and is vulnerable to high-tempo attacking play.

Style: High pressing and quick transitions. Stuttgart relies on fluid movement from their attacking trio to create scoring opportunities.

Key Players:

• Deniz Undav: Returning to form having overcome a recent injury.
• Fabian Rieder: The midfield maestro, instrumental in dictating the game's tempo and creating chances.

Weaknesses: Prone to defensive errors, particularly against set-pieces.

Win Probability: Stuttgart: 72.2%

Predicted Scoreline: Slovan Bratislava 1-3 Stuttgart

• Stuttgart dominating possession and creating multiple chances.
• Slovan Bratislava leaning on counter-attacks and set-pieces for opportunities.
• Likely goal contributions from Undav and Rieder for Stuttgart, with Weiss leading Slovan’s resistance.
  

Suggested Bet: Stuttgart to Win & Over 2.5 Goals

Odds Highlights:

• Stuttgart to Win: 1.40
• Both Teams to Score: Yes (2.00)

Stuttgart is poised to end their group stage on a high note, while Slovan Bratislava aims to restore some pride in front of their home fans. Expect an energetic clash, with the German side likely asserting their dominance.

Can Slovan produce a shock result, or will Stuttgart’s firepower prove too much?

The last competitive meetings between these two sides occurred during the 2010 UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Stuttgart edged the tie, winning 1-0 in Bratislava and drawing 2-2 in Germany.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.