Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: 888sport
Stuttgart will host Augsburg at MHPArena on Tuesday, with a spot in the DFB-Pokal semifinals at stake.
The hosts cruised past 2. Bundesliga side Jahn Regensburg with a 3-0 victory in the previous round on December 3, while Augsburg advanced on December 4, edging Karlsruher SC in a penalty shootout.
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart rested several starters against Jahn Regensburg but still controlled the match, generating over two xG while allowing just one big chance.
Currently fifth in the Bundesliga with 32 points from 20 matches, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, where the victors created four big chances compared to Die Roten’s one.
Manager Sebastian Hoeness will aim to avoid a second consecutive DFB-Pokal quarterfinal exit, having been eliminated last season by eventual winners Bayer Leverkusen on February 6, 2024.
Stuttgart defeated Augsburg 1-0 in the Bundesliga on January 12 and have won the last three meetings, remaining unbeaten in their previous six encounters.
However, Hoeness will be concerned by three consecutive losses, with a cumulative score of 8-2, after winning eight of their prior nine matches.
While Stuttgart have won their last three home games in the DFB-Pokal, they have lost three of their past five matches at MHPArena, winning the other two.
Team News
Stuttgart centre-backs Dan-Axel Zagadou and Ameen Al Dakhil will miss this game, likely paving the way for Maxim Leitsch and Anthony Rouault to pair up in central defence.
With strikers El Bilal Toure and Justin Diehl unavailable, Nick Woltemade and Deniz Undav are potential starters up front.
Angelo Stiller, a regular in midfield, is expected to partner Atakan Karazor in a double pivot.
Augsburg
Augsburg narrowly avoided elimination against Karlsruher SC, trailing 2-1 after Marvin Wanitzek’s 111th-minute goal, but Ruben Vargas’ 123rd-minute equalizer forced a penalty shootout, which they won.
The Fuggerstädter were held to a 1-1 draw by St. Pauli in the Bundesliga on February 1 and currently sit 12th with 26 points.
Manager Jess Thorup will be encouraged by recent defensive solidity, with just two goals conceded in their last four games, during which they kept two clean sheets and scored seven times.
Unbeaten in four matches — winning three — Augsburg’s current form is strong, especially following three consecutive defeats.
They have also suffered only one loss in their last six away fixtures, winning three and drawing two.
Team News
Augsburg are coping with injuries to defenders Cedric Zesiger and Henri Koudossou, likely prompting Noahkai Banks, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, and Chrislain Matsima to form a back three.
With attacker Mergim Berisha sidelined until late February and winger Yusuf Kabadayi potentially out until April, head coach Jess Thorup may opt for Samuel Essende, Arne Maier, and Alexis Claude-Maurice in the forward line.
Conclusion
Stuttgart will aim to deliver a strong response following their recent poor performances, though their struggles at home in recent weeks remain a concern.
Nonetheless, the home side arguably has the greater quality and should be able to prevail over Augsburg and book a place in the semifinals of the competition.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: 888sport
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