Prediction: VfB Stuttgart vs Paris Saint-Germain

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

One of the standout fixtures of Champions League matchday eight sees Stuttgart host Paris Saint-Germain at the MHPArena, with both teams vying for a playoff spot.

Due to UEFA’s scheduling of all 18 games simultaneously on Wednesday, a draw would likely secure progression for both sides, barring an exceptionally unlikely combination of results elsewhere.

VfB Stuttgart

Both clubs sit precariously within the top 24 on 10 points, and reaching 11 would make it difficult for other sides to catch up. However, with playoff seeding on the line, both Stuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain will aim for victory.

Stuttgart’s preparations have been less than ideal, suffering their first defeat of 2025 at Mainz over the weekend. This setback followed a strong start to the year, which included wins over Augsburg, RB Leipzig, Freiburg, and Slovan Bratislava in matchday seven.

Currently in the Bundesliga’s top four, Stuttgart must quickly shift focus to this crucial match as they teeter on the edge of elimination. A loss could see them overtaken by Manchester City, Dinamo Zagreb, or Shakhtar Donetsk. Despite a poor European home record, they have won two of their four encounters against French clubs at the MHPArena.

Conversely, PSG’s European travels to Germany have been disappointing, with eight losses from 13 matches. Their struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich earlier this season.

Team News

Stuttgart will be without key defender Anthony Rouault, who is suspended after receiving a booking in the win over Slovan Bratislava. Ameen Al Dakhil, formerly of Burnley, is likely to step into his place.

Injury concerns for the hosts include El Bilal Toure (foot), Dan-Axel Zagadou (knee), and promising youngsters Luca Raimund and Justin Diehl (both hamstring). Additionally, Ermedin Demirovic may struggle to reclaim a starting spot over Jamie Leweling, who scored twice in Slovakia.

Enzo Millot has been Stuttgart’s standout performer in the Champions League, contributing two goals and three assists — the highest-ever tally for a Stuttgart player in a single European campaign.

Paris Saint-Germain

Confidence is, on the other hand, sky-high for PSG following a thrilling 4-2 comeback win over Manchester City last Wednesday, giving them a chance to secure three consecutive Champions League victories under Luis Enrique for the first time.

The last coach to achieve such a feat was Thomas Tuchel in 2020, a milestone that seemed improbable for Enrique this season after a poor run of four losses in five away fixtures. However, a pivotal 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in December set the stage for their dramatic triumph at the Parc des Princes, where late goals from Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos sealed the win after trailing 2-0.

Now inside the playoff zone, PSG need only a point to advance. Historically, they finish strong at this stage, winning five of their last six group finales and drawing the other. Despite their shaky league phase, they are eager to cross the finish line.

Team News

Luis Enrique has a fully-fit PSG squad at his disposal, with Nuno Mendes the only absentee due to suspension after picking up a booking against Man City.

Following several rotations in the weekend draw against Reims, Enrique is expected to return to a lineup similar to the one that triumphed over City. Ousmane Dembele is likely to come in for Lee Kang-in as the sole tactical adjustment.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains unavailable due to being unregistered, while Randal Kolo Muani recently completed a loan move to Juventus, where he scored on his debut against Serie A leaders Napoli.

Conclusion

The bookmakers view a draw as the most likely outcome, and even without the playoff implications, it seems a reasonable prediction.

PSG’s current form is impressive, with a 12-game unbeaten run that includes key Champions League victories. Meanwhile, Stuttgart have demonstrated resilience, winning four straight to begin the year before stumbling in a challenging trip to Mainz.

Given both teams’ ambitions and the stakes involved, a tense and closely contested match seems inevitable, with both sides eager to secure their playoff spots.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet