The clash between Stuttgart and Viking promises to be a real cracker in the Champions League group stage as the German side look to put their house in order after a shaky start to the European campaign. With the match set for September the home boys are expected to come out firing and show the Norwegians no mercy on their own turf. Viking may have surprised a few folks by reaching this stage but the experience gap is just too wide and the Swabians should handle business comfortably.
Team Form
Stuttgart under Sebastian Hoeness have been building steadily and their second bite at the Champions League cherry looks more promising than the last one. They have learned from those heavy losses to the big boys and are now focused on grinding out results against teams they can dominate. Viking on the other hand are riding high on emotion after their historic qualification but the Norwegian season schedule means fatigue could soon creep in even if they are flying for now.
- Stuttgart have won four of their last six home games in Europe
- Viking picked up their first Champions League win by beating Dinamo Zagreb on aggregate
- The German side have kept clean sheets in three of their last five matches
- Viking average over two goals per game in their domestic league this season
Tactical Analysis
Stuttgart like to press high and play quick transitions which should trouble a Viking side that is still getting used to this level of competition. The Norwegians will try to sit deep and hit on the counter but their lack of regular big stage minutes could see them make costly errors. Strengths for the home team include solid defending and clinical finishing while Viking may struggle with set pieces and maintaining intensity over ninety minutes.
- Stuttgart excel in wide attacks and crossing accuracy
- Viking show good spirit but lack depth in their squad
- Hoeness team has improved their away form but are deadly at home
- Norwegian side weak against teams that control possession
Betting Proposal
Looking at all the angles this one points strongly towards a comfortable home win and the market offers decent value on the handicap. The Germans have the quality to pull ahead early and then manage the game without too much drama. Viking will fight but their inexperience at this level makes it hard to see them staying in touch for long.
In the end Stuttgart should wrap this up with room to spare and deliver the kind of performance their fans have been waiting for in Europe.
Stuttgart to win by two goals or more with the handicap at 1.60
