The fact that Cologne played in Europa League this season, and that this is a comeback season for Stuttgart in the elite rank, cannot absolutely be seen on the table where the guests have 13 points more. Cologne has been in the last place for a very long time and in the last round they have surprisingly celebrated as guests, so their odds of being saved from the elimination are growing. Stuttgart had been in a much worse situation than they are now, and the reason are three wins in a row, which have helped them move away from the relegation zone. In the first part of the championship Stuttgart has celebrated with 2-1 in their mutual duel.
A series of three victories has in one moment significantly improved Cologne’s prospects for survival, but then they recorded a few weaker results and they only scored two points in the next four rounds. It had practically brought them to the beginning, however, in the last round they completely unexpectedly celebrated in Leipzig, and of course there was again the hope that they would make a miracle and survive. They finally managed to reach one team when it comes to the number of points won, although that does not mean a lot, because two teams will be directly eliminated.
The first team was seven points away, which is still quite a big difference. When they received a goal in Leipzig very early, there seemed to be a disaster, but in the past 20 minutes they managed to turn it all around. Putting Koziella in the team was a full hit by coach Ruthenbeck as well as Bittencourt who entered in the second half-time, who will now be a starter.
Probable lineups 1.FC Cologne: T.Horn – Sorensen, J.Mere, Heintz – Risse, J.Hector – Koziello, Hoger, Bittencourt – Osako, Terodde
It can definitely be said that Stuttgart benefited from replacement of their coach, because from the arrival of Tayfun Korkut on the team’s bench, this team plays a lot better. They have played four matches with a new coach and the first result was a draw with Wolfsburg and then three consecutive wins. What is still the same when it comes to Stuttgart’s games is that they did not score a lot of goals and all three of these wins happened with a score of 1-0.
Overall, they scored six of the nine wins this season, and none of the nine wins was more convincing than one goal difference. Even four defeats were with a score 1-0, so it is no surprise that Stuttgart scores the least goals. In the three wins, Korkut has made just one change and defensive midfielder Badstuber played instead of Aogo in the previous two duels. Since they have no new problems with injuries and penalties, there is no reason to change anything now.
Probable lineups VfB Stuttgart: Zieler – Beck, Baumgartl, Pavard, Insua – Badstuber – Ascacibar, Gentner – Er.Thommy – Ginczek, M.Gomez
Cologne has awakened again and now they need a home win with that guest triumph in order to return in the fight for survival, but Stuttgart is doing better and it will not be easy for the host, so we do not rule out a draw, with the proviso that Cologne is still closer to a victory.
Pick: Asian Handicap 0
Cologne 1.8 - 8/10 @1XBet