Looking to secure a Europa League quarter-final berth for the first time this century, Stuttgart welcome Porto to the MHPArena on Thursday night for the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.
The furthest the German side have progressed in the competition was an appearance in the 1988–89 final, when it was still known as the UEFA Cup, while the Portuguese visitors are two-time winners of the tournament, last lifting the trophy in the 2010–11 season.
Stuttgart reached this stage after defeating Celtic 4-2 on aggregate in the playoff round, while Porto progressed automatically after finishing inside the top eight of the league-phase standings earlier in the tournament.
Read our Stuttgart vs Porto prediction and betting tips below, and check out more expert selections on our today's betting tips page.
Contents
Stuttgart vs Porto key stats
- Porto have conceded the first goal in four of their last six Europa League games.
- Stuttgart have won four of their last five competitive home matches (L1).
- Porto have won just one of their last five away games in all competitions (D2, L2).
- The Dragons have scored exactly once in five of their last seven away games.
- Stuttgart have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches across all competitions.
Stuttgart vs Porto preview: Hosts aim to seize first-leg advantage
| Stuttgart | vs | Porto |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (Bundesliga) | Position | 1st (Primeira Liga) |
| 47 | Points | 66 |
| 50 | Goals For | 49 |
| 34 | Goals Against | 10 |
| 9 | Clean Sheets | 17 |
| 3rd | Home Rank | 1st |
| 6th | Away Rank | 1st |
Still searching for their first-ever continental silverware, Stuttgart finished 11th in the Europa League league phase, narrowly missing automatic qualification for the last 16 but still prevailing in their longer route to this stage.
Thanks to a 4-1 victory in the playoff first leg in Glasgow, Die Roten progressed despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in the return fixture in Germany, with that result marking the only game in which Sebastian Hoeness’s side failed to score in their last 11 matches.
This underlines how potent Stuttgart have been in attack, and that has also been evident on their own turf where the Reds have scored three or more goals in four of their last seven home games.
Stuttgart have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last five Europa League games.
The Germans have struggled to keep things tight at the back, while they have also battled with consistency recently, having won just one of their last four outings across all competitions.
The latest of that run was a 2-2 draw at Mainz on Saturday, when Hoeness’s men conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, a result which leaves them fourth in the Bundesliga table ahead of fifth-placed Leipzig only on goal difference.
Attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss was absent from that encounter due to accumulated bookings but will return on Thursday, while defender Jeff Chabot, who served a suspension in the previous continental match, is now eligible to feature.
Meanwhile, Porto gained direct entry to the last 16 after finishing fifth in the league-phase table, meaning they have already gone one better than last season when the Blue and Whites exited the Europa League in the playoffs.
The Dragons enter this encounter following a 2-2 draw at Benfica last weekend after surrendering a two-goal lead, though Francesco Farioli’s side remain four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga table despite that setback.
Porto are winless in their last three Europa League away matches (D2, L1).
That result marked only the second time Porto have conceded twice in the league this season, while it also highlights the Blue and Whites’ recent struggles on the road after a defeat in the first leg of their Taca de Portugal semi-final at Sporting Lisbon days earlier.
The Portuguese outfit head into Thursday’s encounter with several injury absentees, including attackers Samu Omorodion and Luuk de Jong, who remain sidelined with knee injuries, while defender Nehuen Perez is still out and Martim Fernandes is doubtful after being forced off in the last match.
Stuttgart vs Porto form guide & betting tips
| Stuttgart | vs | Porto |
|---|---|---|
| W-D-L-W-D | Form | W-W-W-L-D |
| 5 | Points | 10 |
| 7th | Form Table | 3rd |
| 13 | Goals For | 7 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 4 |
Best bookie to bet on Stuttgart vs Porto – bet365
If you’re looking for the best bookie to bet on this game, bet365 is a great choice. They have a huge selection of markets and highly competitive odds for football matches.
Furthermore, you can claim a special welcome offer if you use our promo code to sign up at bet365 and get £30 in Free Bets once you place your first bet of at least £10.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
Whispers predicts: Stuttgart 2-1 Porto
Considering recent momentum, neither side has been particularly convincing, but Stuttgart’s strong home form and Porto’s struggles on the road suggest that the German side may hold the edge in this first-leg encounter.
Adding to that is the possibility that the Dragons could feel the effects of consecutive high-profile away fixtures heading into Thursday’s trip, which strengthens the case for Stuttgart to win at 22/20 on Bet365.
Considering Stuttgart’s attacking strength alongside defensive vulnerabilities, as well as Porto’s tendency to find the net, BTTS – Yes at 8/13 also looks like a solid option.
For greater value, combining both options could appeal to bettors, with Stuttgart to win and BTTS – Yes, priced at 3/1.
Meanwhile, a 2-1 correct score in favour of Stuttgart offers great value at 8/1 considering the above instances.
> Match result - Stuttgart win at 22/20 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS-Yes at 8/13| Likelihood: Probable
> Stuttgart win & BTTS - Yes at 3/1 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score - 2-1 at 8/1 | Likelihood: Outsider