Verdict: Deniz Undav over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds:
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who will get their respective Europa League Round of 16 adventures underway, Stuttgart will welcome Porto to Germany on Thursday evening.
Stuttgart
Starting with the hosts, although Stuttgart might have struggled to find much stability over the past month, Sebastian Hoeneb’s side did extend on their Europa League charge thanks to a dramatic 4-2 aggregate win against Scottish giants Celtic. With their sights firmly set on securing a lucrative Champions League ticket in 2026, Die Roten will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Thursday evening. Despite being left disappointed on February 26th as they fell to a second-leg 1-0 loss at home against Celtic, Stuttgart will certainly be excited by their overall success at the MHPArena. Last seen in front of their own supporters storming their way to a 4-0 romp against Wolfsburg, Thursday’s hosts have won each of their other four showdowns in Baden-Wurttemberg. It should also be noted, the Reds have suffered just a sole defeat at the MHPArena across any competition since the start of December.
Stuttgart Team News
Once again missing out against Mainz over the weekend and dealing with a recent thigh issue, German defender Josha Vagnoman remains a major doubt on Thursday evening. However, serving a one-match domestic suspension on Saturday, Leicester City loanee Bilal El Khannouss will return to Stuttgart’s squad.
Enjoying what has been nothing sensational run this season and already notching 19 goals across all competitions, German international and ex-Brighton striker Deniz Undav will play a leading role in the final third. Reportedly attracting a string of heavyweight European admirers, Angelo Stiller will start in the middle of the park.
Porto
As for the visitors, enduring what has been a frustrating fortnight at the Estadio do Dragao, Porto travel to Germany on Thursday evening pencilled in as a real underdog contender. Suffering a major second-half collapse last time out as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against arch-rivals Benfica, Francesco Farioli’s side have also shown some extended worrying issues on the road. Including a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Casa Pia on February 2nd, the Dragons have registered just a sole victory from any of their previous five showdowns on their travels across all competitions. Likewise, registering just a pair of clean sheets from any of their last eight outings, the former Ajax boss should be bracing himself for what should be another tricky test away from the Estadio do Dragao.
Porto Team News
In what is a huge blow for Porto, Farioli’s side have confirmed that attacking talisman Samu Aghehowa will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign with a serious knee injury. Fellow attacker and veteran Dutch international Luuk de Jong also remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue.
However, in what could prove to be a timely boost, former Chelsea star Thiago Silva could make a full return at the heart of Porto’s defence. The 41-year-old could partner Arsenal loanee Jakub Kiwior at the heart of Farioli’s defence over in Germany.
Stuttgart vs Porto Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Germany will be the first Europa League meeting between Stuttgart and Porto.
- Stuttgart have won four of their previous five appearances at the MHPArena across all fronts.
- Die Roten have also suffered just a sole defeat in front of their own supporters since the start of December.
- Porto have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous five consecutive matchups on the road.
- German international Deniz Undav has registered 19 goals across all competitions this season.
Conclusion
Shown some glaring recent issues on the road, Porto travel to Germany on Thursday evening pencilled in as a real underdog contender. Winning just one of their previous five showdowns away from the Estadio do Dragao, Stuttgart will know the importance of claiming a lucrative first-leg advantage here. Watching Porto play out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate away at bitter domestic foes Benfica last time out, neutrals will be hoping for another Europa League thrilling in midweek.
Verdict: Deniz Undav over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
