Slovan Bratislava vs Stuttgart prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-20 20:00.
[p]A six-game losing streak, accompanied by the second-worst defensive record in the competition, means Slovan Bratislava’s hopes of progressing in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) were dead in the water before Christmas. There should be no lack of motivation for the Sky Blues, who are one of only three teams in the league phase yet to collect a single point, upon the tournament’s resumption as they attempt to avoid finishing bottom of the table.[/p]
[p]VladimĂr Weiss’ side may find it tough to hit the ground running given that they have not played in over a month due to the winter break in Slovakia. Their last competitive fixture was a 2-1 success against Dunajská Streda in mid-December, which was a third win in six outings across all competitions (L3), with each of those matches featuring 3+ total match goals.[/p]
[p]Just one clean sheet therein opens the door for visitors Stuttgart, who boosted their hopes of reaching the UCL knockout stage for the first time in 15 years with a 5-1 win over Young Boys before Christmas. That moved the Swabians to within a point of the top 24 positions, while also presenting them with the chance to win back-to-back UCL games – something they’ve not managed since December 2009.[/p]
[p]Stuttgart also make the trip to Bratislava in fine form after hammering Freiburg 4-0 on Saturday. Manager Sebastian Hoeneß says that result shows his side are “on the right track” but he need only look at the form book for confirmation of that. Stuttgart have made a 100% winning start to 2025 (W3), while also winning seven of their last eight fixtures across all competitions (L1), scoring at least two times in six of those wins.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Marko Tolić getting on the scoresheet usually bodes well for Slovan, who’ve won 11 of the last 13 games in which he has netted (D1, L1), including two UCL qualification games this season. Stuttgart’s Enzo Millot also carries a goal threat, although he is just as likely to be booked, having netted eight times and picked up seven yellow cards in club football this season.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Slovan Bratislava have conceded 2+ goals in their last seven Champions League matches.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Matt Jones[/i][/p]