Read our Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne prediction with the latest betting tips, odds, lineups, and bet builder insights ahead of Friday's Bundesliga clash.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Match Summary
Competition | German Bundesliga |
|---|---|
Match Date | Friday 4 September 2026 |
Match Time | 19:30 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | MHPArena |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | BBCi |
Our Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne prediction lands on a home side hungry to bounce back and a Cologne outfit riding an opening-day high in the German Bundesliga.
Stuttgart were battered 5-1 away at Bayern Munich on Matchday 1 before hitting back with a 4-0 DFB-Pokal win over Hansa Rostock. The hosts are desperate for a first league win here.
Cologne fared far better, edging Hoffenheim 3-2 in a comeback on Matchday 1 thanks to a late Thijs Dallinga brace. Die Geißböcke arrive full of confidence.
Stuttgart have won five of their last six against Cologne in all competitions, scoring at least twice in five of their last six meetings. This has a goal-heavy feel.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Form
Stuttgart's opener was a chastening 5-1 loss at Bayern Munich, but they responded with a 4-0 DFB-Pokal thrashing of Hansa Rostock, so the goals are flowing at both ends. There have been over 2.5 goals in six of their last seven Bundesliga games. Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic carry the attacking threat.
Cologne look sharp after a 3-2 comeback win over Hoffenheim, Thijs Dallinga's late double sealing it. There have been over 2.5 goals in eight of their last nine Bundesliga games, though they have conceded at least twice in 12 of their last 15. Said El Mala remains their standout man.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Vfb Stuttgart: Dan-Axel Zagadou (Injured/out), Dennis Seimen (Injured/out), Luca Jaquez (Injured/out), Lorenz Assignon (Injured/out), Laurin Sauer (Injured/out), Nikolas Nartey (Injured/out), Chris Führich (Injured/doubtful), Justin Arévalo (Unfit)
Cologne: Luca Waldschmidt (Injured/out), Timo Hübers (Injured/out), Sebastian Sebulonsen (Injured/out), Linton Maina (Injured/doubtful)
Vfb Stuttgart
Chris Führich missed out against Bayern Munich but could make Friday's squad, though he remains a doubt. Jamie Leweling has rejected a move away and will start. A switch to a 4-2-3-1 system is expected after the heavy defeat at the Allianz Arena.
Cologne
Sebastian Sebulonsen won't feature until after the September international break. Said El Mala came off with cramp in gameweek one but should be cleared to start. Mikey Moore appears in the squad for the first time following his loan move from Spurs.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Predicted Lineup
Vfb Stuttgart
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Bredlow; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Stiller, Prömel, Undav; Leweling, Pejcinovic, Führich
Cologne
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Schwäbe; Castro-Montes, Lochoshvili, Simpson-Pusey, Mensah; Jóhannesson, Krauß, Okon-Engstler; Moore, Dallinga, Mala
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Key Stats & Match Facts
Stuttgart have won five of their last six matches against Cologne in all competitions.
Stuttgart have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches against Cologne in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in six of Stuttgart's last seven Bundesliga games.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in eight of Cologne's last nine Bundesliga games.
Cologne have conceded at least two goals in 12 of their last 15 Bundesliga matches.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: The home side are clear favourites here and the numbers back it. We fancy Stuttgart to shake off the Bayern hangover and edge a lively one, with the projected 2-1 scoreline fitting a fixture that has produced goals at both ends. Stuttgart's head-to-head dominance and attacking volume should just about see them home. For our Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne betting odds, the hosts are the shortest price in the win market.
Best Bets
Grischa Prömel Over 1.5 in the Player Shots market. Prömel is set to start in central midfield for a Stuttgart side projected to create plenty at home, and with a high implied probability of registering at least two efforts, he looks nicely placed to keep firing on goal. Stuttgart are expected to dominate possession and territory here, giving their midfielders every opportunity to get on the ball and shoot.
Maximilian Mittelstädt Over 2.5 in the Player Tackles market. Starting at left-back, Mittelstädt has Cologne's high-tempo wing play to deal with, and the implied probability of him making three or more tackles sits well against a side that loves attacking down the flanks. Mittelstädt has made 3+ tackles in six of his last ten appearances against Cologne in the Bundesliga, underlining the appeal of this pick.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Bet Builder
Our four-leg Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne bet builder tips lean into the home side's edge: Demirovic to be carded, Demirovic anytime scorer, Jan Thielmann over 0.5 shots on target, and Stuttgart over 1.5 team goals.
Ermedin Demirovic has been carded in two of his last three appearances against Cologne in the Bundesliga, so the disciplinary angle looks a fair shout in a feisty fixture.
Demirovic also has form in front of goal here, netting in two of his last three outings against Cologne in the Bundesliga, making the anytime goalscorer leg a natural fit.
Jan Thielmann has recorded at least one shot on target in four of his last five appearances against Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, keeping the Cologne threat represented in the slip.
VfB Stuttgart have scored two or more goals in four of their last five meetings with Cologne in the Bundesliga, so backing over 1.5 home team goals rounds off a strong build.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 18/1 and is as short as 11/1 elsewhere.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Talking Points
There is a personal edge to this one, with Stuttgart defender Jeff Chabot lining up against his former club Cologne, having made the switch between the two in the summer of 2024. Stuttgart need a reaction after the Bayern Munich mauling, and with the hosts unbeaten in five of the last six against Die Geißböcke, home advantage and a proven scoring record over Cologne make Stuttgart the ones to beat on the Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne best bets market.
Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne Predictions FAQs
When is the Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne German Bundesliga game?
The match kicks off at 19:30 UK time on Friday 4 September 2026.
Where is Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne being played?
The match is being played at the MHPArena.
Where can I watch Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne?
You can watch the match live on BBCi.
What competition is Vfb Stuttgart vs Cologne in?
The fixture is being played in the German Bundesliga.
Disclaimer
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