FC Köln vs VfB Stuttgart: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin's detailed preview for FC Köln vs VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 16:30 BST match.

• Fixture: FC Köln vs VfB Stuttgart

• Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025

• Kick-off: 16:30 BST

• Venue: RheinEnergieStadion

Match Prediction: FC Köln 2-1 VfB Stuttgart

FC Köln, buoyed by recent home and away victories, will look to exploit their attacking prowess against a Stuttgart side that has shown vulnerability on the road. Köln's ability to score multiple goals, as seen in their wins against Freiburg and Mainz, could be crucial. 

Stuttgart, despite their inconsistent away form, can counter-attack effectively, as demonstrated in their win against Mönchengladbach. This match could hinge on Köln's ability to maintain their offensive momentum while managing Stuttgart's sporadic but potent threats.

Stuttgart's recent home victories suggest they can be formidable when settled, but their away losses indicate potential defensive frailties. Köln, with a strong home record, might capitalise on this, pushing for an early lead to unsettle the visitors.

Stuttgart will need to be disciplined and capitalise on any Köln errors to secure a result. The game could be closely contested, with Köln's home advantage potentially tipping the scales.

FC Köln's recent form has been a mix of resilience and flair, with two wins and a draw in their last four league matches. Their ability to score against strong teams like Freiburg and Wolfsburg, both at home and away, suggests a confident attacking unit. 

This form could be pivotal against Stuttgart, as Köln will look to leverage their home advantage and continue their scoring streak. However, their defensive lapses, as seen in the loss to Leipzig, will need to be addressed to secure a win.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Loss: 1-3 vs RB Leipzig (A)

• Draw: 3-3 vs VfL Wolfsburg (A)

• Win: 4-1 vs SC Freiburg (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs FSV Mainz 05 (A)

VfB Stuttgart's recent results show a team capable of strong performances at home but struggles on the road. Their wins against St. Pauli and Mönchengladbach highlight their potential, but losses to Freiburg and Union Berlin away from home suggest a need for improvement in their away form. 

Stuttgart will need to tighten their defence and capitalise on counter-attacks to challenge Köln. Their performance in this match will depend heavily on their ability to adapt to the away environment and maintain their focus throughout the game.

Recent Bundesliga Results:

• Win: 2-0 vs St. Pauli (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs SC Freiburg (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs FC Union Berlin (A)

The head-to-head record between FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart reveals a competitive rivalry, with Stuttgart holding a slight edge in recent encounters, having won three of the last five meetings. 

Köln's home form against Stuttgart has been less than successful lately, with a loss and a draw in their last two home matches. This history suggests a closely fought contest, with Stuttgart potentially having the psychological advantage.

Recent Bundesliga Results

• VfB Stuttgart 1-1 FC Köln (24 Feb 2024)

• FC Köln 0-2 VfB Stuttgart (30 Sep 2023)

• VfB Stuttgart 3-0 FC Köln (18 Feb 2023)

• FC Köln 0-0 VfB Stuttgart (28 Aug 2022)

• VfB Stuttgart 2-1 FC Köln (14 May 2022)

• Luca Kilian (Knee) - Out

• Rav Van Den Berg (Shoulder) - Out

• Marius Bülter (Hamstring) - Out

• Deniz Undav (Knee) - Out

• Fabian Bredlow (Knee) - Out

• Dan-Axel Zagadou (Knee) - Out

• Leonidas Stergiou (Fitness) - Doubt

• Luca Jaquez (Fitness) - Doubt

• Justin Diehl (Muscle) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Sebulonsen, Schmied, Hübers, Krauß, Kaminski, Jóhannesson, Martel, Thielmann, Waldschmidt, Bülter

FC Köln's predicted lineup suggests a balanced approach, with Kaminski providing creativity in midfield, which could be key to unlocking Stuttgart's defence. The inclusion of Thielmann and Bülter in attack indicates a focus on maintaining their recent scoring form.

• Predicted lineup: Nübel, Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt, Andres, Stiller, Tomás, Khannouss, Leweling, Demirovic

VfB Stuttgart's predicted lineup emphasises a solid midfield with Stiller and Andres, aiming to control the game's tempo. The presence of Demirovic and Tomás in attacking roles suggests a strategy to capitalise on any defensive errors by Köln.

• Schwäbe vs Nübel: A crucial duel between the goalkeepers, with Schwäbe's ability to thwart Stuttgart's attacks. Meanwhile, Nübel's shot-stopping prowess will be tested at the other end of the pitch

• Waldschmidt vs Chabot: Waldschmidt’s experience and scoring threat will be up against Chabot's agility and positioning.

• Kaminski (FC Köln): His recent performances have been vital in keeping Köln competitive, especially in high-scoring games.

• Demirovic (VfB Stuttgart): His goal-scoring threat could be the difference for Stuttgart, particularly if they manage to break through Köln's defence.

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