Stuttgart vs Köln Prediction & Betting Tips - Bundesliga

Prediction published on 24/02/2024, 00:52  by Joseph King in Bundesliga Predictions

Third-place Stuttgart continue their push for a surprise Champions League berth when they host relegation-threatened Koln for matchday 23 of the German Bundesliga. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Stuttgart, who avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season after defeating Hamburg in the relegation playoff following a 16th-place finish. They are now in the position to potentially claim a spot in the top European club competition if they are able to lock up a top four finish. Sebastian Hoeneß has done a brilliant job as Die Roten have already more than doubled last season’s total win mark with 12 matches still to play. Stuttgart were able to hold on and claim a 2-1 away win over Darmstadt last weekend, despite being reduced to 10 men just before the break. It was the side’s second win in a row and their fourth consecutive in the Bundesliga. The hosts points total of 46 has them five points ahead of fourth-place Dortmund and six points clear of fifth-placed Leipzig.

There is reason for optimism at Koln as their current run of five points over the last four games is tied for their best stretch of the season. They were previously on a three match unbeaten run before suffering a 1-0 home defeat to Werder Bremen in their most recent outing. The loss continued the common trend that has plagued the Billygoats all season: lack of a cutting edge. It was the 10th time in 22 league matches that they had failed to find the net, the second highest mark in the division, while their tally of 15 goals scored is the lowest mark in the Bundesliga. Things will get even more difficult for Koln now as they attempt to win what would be just their second away victory of the season.