UEFA Champions League 26/27 · Round 2 ·
SK Slovan Bratislava vs VfB Stuttgart preview: Slovan Bratislava host Stuttgart in a meeting of contrasting starts
Stuttgart arrive in Bratislava as the market's clear favourites after a dominant opening league win, while Slovan Bratislava are still searching for their first point. The home side's defensive record is the sharpest concern, with six goals conceded in their only match this season.
By 10xSharp · Published
This preview was published before kickoff. The match has finished: see the result and full stats. Read the match report.
Team news
Stuttgart are missing six players through injury, including three defenders and two forwards. Dan Zagadou, Ameen Al-Dakhil and Luca Jaquez are all unavailable at the back, while Tiago Tomas and Justin Diehl are out in attack, alongside midfielder Nikolas Nartey. Slovan Bratislava have no players listed as unavailable.
Players to watch
Ermedin Demirovic has scored all three of Stuttgart's league goals this season, a 100% share of the team's output in this competition. For Slovan Bratislava, Suleiman Camara has their only goal, also a 100% share. Both players are available for this match.
Form
Stuttgart have won their only league match this season, taking three points from a home fixture. Slovan Bratislava have lost their only league match, leaving them on zero points. In their last five matches in all competitions, Stuttgart have won four and lost two, while Slovan Bratislava have won two, drawn two and lost two. Both sides last played four days ago.
Standings
Stuttgart sit 6th with three points from one match, while Slovan Bratislava are 35th with no points. Stuttgart have won their only home match, scoring three and conceding one. Slovan Bratislava have lost their only away match, scoring one and conceding six.
Head to head
Across three meetings since 2010, Stuttgart have won twice and drawn once, with Slovan Bratislava yet to win. The most recent meeting, in this competition, saw Stuttgart win 3-1 in Bratislava. The average total goals across those meetings is 3.0.
Attack
Stuttgart have scored three goals in their only match this season, a rate of 3.0 per match, which is better than the league average of 1.92. Slovan Bratislava have scored one goal in their only match, a rate of 1.0 per match, which is worse than the league average. Stuttgart hold a large attacking edge.
Defense
Slovan Bratislava have conceded six goals in their only match this season, a rate of 6.0 per match, which is worse than the league average of 1.92. Stuttgart have conceded one goal in their only match, a rate of 1.0 per match, which is better than the league average. Stuttgart hold a clear defensive edge.
Efficiency
Slovan Bratislava average 4.43 shots on target per match, while Stuttgart average 3.0. Stuttgart see more of their shots blocked, at 5.0 per match compared to 1.86 for Slovan Bratislava.
Goal timing
Slovan Bratislava score 27% of their goals in the 76-90 minute window, their most dangerous spell. Stuttgart score 67% of their goals in the 16-30 minute window. Slovan Bratislava concede 30% of their goals in both the 31-45 and 46-60 minute windows.
Goal lines
All of Slovan Bratislava's matches this season have gone over 2.5 goals, and all have gone over 3.5 goals. All of Stuttgart's matches this season have gone over 2.5 goals, and all have gone over 3.5 goals. Slovan Bratislava have failed to score in 0% of their matches, while Stuttgart have failed to score in 0% of theirs.
Verdict
Stuttgart's stronger attack and far tighter defence make them the clear favourites, with the market pricing them at 74% to win. Slovan Bratislava's defensive fragility is the biggest concern, having conceded six goals in their only match. The match is likely to be shaped by Stuttgart's early pressure and Slovan Bratislava's vulnerability late on.