Cologne vs Stuttgart
Bundesliga
Saturday
30th September 2023
RheinEnergieStadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of game week 6 of the Bundesliga fixture between Cologne and Stuttgart.
Cologne vs Stuttgart: Preview
Cologne form analysis
FC Cologne began their campaign with a 0-1 home loss to Dortmund, undone by a late Malen goal. They followed that up with a 1-2 home loss to Wolfsburg despite Waldschmidt opening the scoring. Cologne then earned a creditable 1-1 away draw at Frankfurt as new signing Kainz netted from the spot.
However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-3 home thrashing by Hoffenheim, with only Selke’s strike in response. Most recently, Cologne suffered a third straight league loss, beaten 1-2 away at Werder Bremen despite Selke putting them ahead.
Overall, it’s been a disappointing start to the season for Cologne as they struggle at both ends of the pitch. New striker Selke has impressed with 2 goals, but the defense has regularly been exposed. Keeping just one clean sheet so far is a major concern.
If Cologne is more solid defensively, they have the attackers to hurt teams. But improving their organization is crucial after conceding 8 goals in their last 3 league games. The opener against Dortmund shows Cologne have potential, but they need to find consistency.
Stuttgart form analysis
Stuttgart began with an excellent 5-0 home thrashing of Bochum, blowing them away with goals from Guirassy, Zagadou and a Sosa double. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-5 loss away at RB Leipzig despite Guirassy netting again. Stuttgart bounced back impressively by hammering Freiburg 5-0 at home, sparked by another Guirassy brace.
They followed that up with a 3-1 away win at Mainz thanks to Guirassy’s hat-trick to make it 6 goals in 4 games. Most recently, Stuttgart came from behind to beat Darmstadt 3-1 at home, with Guirassy again netting twice.
Overall, it’s been an encouraging start to the Pellegrino Matarazzo era. Stuttgart have showcased excellent attacking play and goalscoring power, led by new striker Guirassy. However, there have still been some defensive lapses at times.
The hammerings of Bochum and Freiburg demonstrated Stuttgart’s potential when focused. If they can maintain that level consistently and improve defensively, Stuttgart can push for European qualification this term after underwhelming last season.
