HEAD-TO-HEAD
Match Day,there have been no matches played between the opponents in the last 5 years.
STUTTGART
Without Undav, Stuttgart managed to restructure their attack and return to quite a vibrant game on the opponent’s half. In a recent game against the defensive Union (3:2), they managed to execute a number of very interesting combinations. This can realistically be extrapolated to the match against Young Boys, as the visitors have significant defensive issues. There is a chance to improve their tournament position. At home, Stuttgart is capable of improving their attacking performance: currently scoring 0.8 goals per game. Quite low, but this is their first Champions League match against a team that is significantly inferior to the Germans in class. The hosts will have a psychological advantage and superiority in skill. Personnel losses do not seem critical.
YOUNG BOYS
Young Boys can only be sympathized with. They are the last team in the Champions League that still has zero points. Their goal statistics look depressing (2:17). It’s hard for us to imagine a scenario in which the visitors suddenly transform. The trip to Germany will be associated with very big defensive difficulties for them. Additionally, Janko and Zukru, key defenders, are injured. We assume that Young Boys’ performance in the upcoming match will resemble their recent game with Atalanta (1:6). Then, the Swiss were pinned down in their penalty area and were defeated. Of course, counterattacks might somehow alleviate all the negativity. But seriously competing for victory is not feasible. Their squad does not meet the requirements of the Champions League.
GOALS PREDICTION
The Swiss team’s situation in terms of defense is quite dire. They have conceded in 18 out of the last 19 games. Stuttgart scores at home in 23 out of the last 24 matches. Additionally, it should be noted that the Germans create chances averaging 1.53 expected goals (xG). Considering that the Swiss concede an average of 3.2 goals, we can expect quite a bright and successful performance from the “Swabians” forwards. At home, they are capable not only of securing a comfortable advantage but also of delighting fans with their scoring ability. Let’s try betting on Stuttgart’s total over 2 goals.
CORNERS PREDICTION
It should be noted that Stuttgart is one of the leaders in set-pieces in the Champions League. On average, the team takes 6.8 corners per match. Considering that the hosts will have more possession, we can again expect a large number of approaches to the opponent’s goal from them. Hence, corners. An average of 6.8 corners are taken at Young Boys’ goal per match as well. Adding to this the hypothesis that at home, the “Swabians” will be trying to score throughout all 90 minutes, it logically follows to bet on Stuttgart’s total corners over 5.5.
EDITORIAL PREDICTION
It is obvious to us that the players of the host team have significantly more opportunities. Yes, Stuttgart is not a leader in the standings either. Even their status as a mid-table team is stretched. But Young Boys are doing too poorly—the last team in the tournament is unlikely to consistently offer resistance. There are obvious problems both in defense and attack. Even amidst personnel difficulties, the hosts can secure several goals for themselves. Additionally, considering the disjointed start of the tournament, the “Swabians” are capable of playing not just for a win but for a rout. We would not be surprised if the confrontation ends with a score of 4:0. In such circumstances, a good choice would be to bet on Stuttgart winning with a handica p (-1).