A fascinating Bundesliga clash is on the cards at the atmospheric RheinEnergieStadion as a tough and resilient FC Cologne side hosts the high-flying VfB Stuttgart. Cologne have turned their home ground into a fortress and rely on their incredible fan support to make life difficult for every visiting team. Stuttgart, now established as a top-six side competing in Europe, travel to Cologne with an exciting, attacking brand of football, but know they are in for a stern physical test against the Billy Goats.
This Cologne vs Stuttgart match preview will provide a comprehensive breakdown of a fixture that has a remarkable history of ending in a stalemate. We will analyse the key statistics, current team form, and crucial head-to-head trends to provide expert predictions and betting tips for punters looking to find the best value in what promises to be an evenly-matched contest.
Cologne Vs Stuttgart match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
Based on their fixtures in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season and European competitions, here is the recent competitive form for both clubs.
Cologne: DWLDW
Stuttgart: WLWWL
key stats
- This fixture is the definition of a stalemate; an incredible five of the last seven meetings between Cologne and Stuttgart have ended in a draw.
- Cologne are a formidable force at home, currently unbeaten in their last eight Bundesliga matches at the RheinEnergieStadion.
- Stuttgart are a consistent goal threat, having found the back of the net in 12 of their last 13 matches in the Bundesliga.
My prediction is a 2-2 draw. The head-to-head record between these two clubs is one of the most compelling statistical trends in the Bundesliga. They simply cannot be separated. Cologne’s formidable home record, backed by their passionate fans, makes them incredibly difficult to beat, while Stuttgart’s superior quality and attacking prowess mean they will always carry a goal threat. With Stuttgart potentially feeling the effects of a midweek Champions League game, and Cologne’s ability to raise their game for these occasions, another high-scoring, action-packed draw seems the most logical and probable outcome.
Cologne Vs Stuttgart H2H
- An astonishing five of the last seven head-to-head encounters between Cologne and Stuttgart have ended all square.
- Goals are almost a guarantee in this fixture, with both teams having scored in six of those last seven meetings.
- Despite the numerous draws, Stuttgart hold the slight edge, remaining technically unbeaten in their last seven matches against Cologne.
- The last four consecutive meetings at Cologne’s home ground have all seen both teams find the net.
pre game odds
- Cologne Win: 3.00
- Draw: 3.60
- Stuttgart Win: 2.30
(Odds are subject to change and are correct as of the time of writing)
team news Cologne
Cologne’s manager, Steffen Baumgart, will have his team fired up for this home clash, but he has a key defensive issue to contend with. Main central defender Timo Hübers is suspended for this match after picking up a red card last weekend. His absence will be a significant blow to their defensive organisation. The team will look to the energy of midfielder Dejan Ljubicic to drive them forward.
team news Stuttgart
Stuttgart’s coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, has to manage his squad carefully following a tough midweek Champions League fixture. Fatigue could be a factor, and one or two players may be rotated. There is a slight doubt over the fitness of star striker Deniz Undav, who is recovering from a minor knock, but he is expected to be fit enough to start. The rest of the squad is available for selection.
predicted line up for both teams.
Cologne Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Schwäbe (GK); Carstensen, Kilian, Chabot, Paqarada; Martel, Huseinbašić; Thielmann, Ljubicic, Kainz; Selke
Stuttgart Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Nübel (GK); Stenzel, Anton, Zagadou, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Millot, Führich; Undav
Cologne Vs Stuttgart betting tips
Tip 1 – result: Draw
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – both team to score: Yes
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