The opening phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League group stage comes to a thrilling close on Wednesday with Matchday 8, featuring an exciting showdown between VfB Stuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain at the MHPArena. With both teams struggling for consistency in this season’s competition, this clash is crucial for their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.
Stuttgart & PSG’s Champions League Journey So Far
It has been a frustrating European campaign for both Stuttgart and PSG, as neither side has been able to build sustained momentum. As a result, automatic qualification to the Champions League Round of 16 is out of reach for both teams. However, with three clubs outside the top 24 ready to pounce, Stuttgart and PSG must avoid any slip-ups to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Both teams come into this fixture on the back of consecutive victories in their last two Champions League matches. Stuttgart secured wins over BSC Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava, while PSG overcame Red Bull Salzburg and pulled off a statement victory against Manchester City.
Check out the UCL Draw: UEFA 2024/25 Champions League group stage fixtures.
Domestic Form: A Concern for Both Sides
Despite their European resurgence, Stuttgart’s domestic form remains a concern. Sebastian Hoeness’s men fell to a 2-0 Bundesliga defeat against FSV Mainz 05 last weekend, struggling to find consistency in their performances. Meanwhile, PSG let a one-goal lead slip to draw 1-1 against Stade de Reims in Ligue 1, further underlining their inconsistency this season.
With both teams desperate to end this phase on a high note, expect a fiercely contested battle in Stuttgart.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
VfB Stuttgart Team News & Tactics
Sebastian Hoeness faces fresh squad selection issues ahead of this must-win encounter. Stuttgart will be without four key players, including Anthony Rouault, who is serving a suspension. The defender joins Dan-Axel Zagadou (knee), Luca Raimund (hamstring), El Bilal Toure (foot), and Justin Diehl (hamstring) on the sidelines.
Despite these absences, Stuttgart will stick to their familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Alexander Nubel guarding the goal. The backline will consist of Josha Vagnoman, Maximilian Mittelstadt, Jeff Chabot, and Ameen Al-Dakhil, who replaces the suspended Rouault.
In midfield, Angelo Stiller will anchor the play, supported by Enzo Millot and Yannik Keitel, who will look to dictate tempo and provide attacking support. Up front, Deniz Undav will lead the line, with Chris Fuhrich and Jamie Leweling operating from the flanks.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Nubel; Vagnoman, Al-Dakhil, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Keitel, Stiller, Millot; Leweling, Undav, Fuhrich.
Paris Saint-Germain Team News & Tactics
Luis Enrique has fewer injury concerns compared to Stuttgart but will be without Nuno Mendes, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Manchester City. Apart from Mendes, PSG have a full-strength squad to choose from.
PSG will also deploy a 4-3-3 setup, with Gianluigi Donnarumma as the automatic choice in goal. Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Lucas Hernandez will form the defensive line.
The midfield trio will consist of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz, providing a balance of defensive solidity and attacking flair. In attack, with Kylian Mbappe absent, the onus will be on Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola to deliver in the final third.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hernandez; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Dembele, Doue, Barcola.
Key Stats & Insights
- Stuttgart have a solid home record against French teams in European competitions, losing only one of their four meetings (W2 D1). However, that loss came in their last such fixture—a 2-0 defeat to Lyon in the 2007/08 Champions League.
- PSG have struggled in Germany, losing eight of their 13 away games against Bundesliga teams in the Champions League (W3 D2).
- The Parisians have only managed one win in their last six away games in the Champions League group/league phase, suffering four defeats.
- PSG are unbeaten in their final Champions League group/league phase match since 2017/18 (1-3 loss to Bayern Munich). They have won five of their last six such matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding just five.
- Stuttgart have had the most players score for them in this season’s Champions League (10 different scorers). Jamie Leweling and Enzo Millot are their joint-top scorers with two goals each.
For a deeper dive into player performances, you might find this article interesting: Top 10 All-Time Champions League Goalscorers (Ranked).
Player to Watch: Bradley Barcola
With Kylian Mbappe absent, Bradley Barcola has stepped up as one of PSG’s most influential attackers. The 21-year-old winger has been in impressive form, drawing interest from top European clubs, including Manchester City. Barcola’s pace, dribbling, and finishing ability make him a key threat, and Luis Enrique will rely on him to unlock Stuttgart’s defense.
If PSG are to get a result in Germany, Barcola will need to be at his best.
VfB Stuttgart vs PSG Prediction
Stuttgart 1-1 PSG
Both teams have been inconsistent in the Champions League and domestically, making this a tough match to call. While PSG possess the attacking firepower to trouble Stuttgart, the German side has been resilient at home in European competitions. Expect a closely fought battle, with both sides sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
VfB Stuttgart vs PSG Live Stream
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