Only a better goal difference than Hertha Berlin allowed Stuttgart to avoid a promotion/relegation play-off with the third-placed Zweite Liga side last year. Danger averted right at the photo finish for the team coached by Italian-American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, confirmed for the fourth season in a row on the Schwaben bench. All in all, there is nothing to be satisfied about in a year that was in stark contrast to the previous one, when Stuttgart had even come close to Europe as newly promoted players. The causes of the ‘flop’ could have been some important absences, such as that of Austrian striker Kalajdzic, out for several months.
The Red and White fans are hoping for a season with less palpitations and the club is moving to make the squad more competitive. And the retention of Kalajdzic and the redemption of former Arsenal man Mavropanos go in this direction.
Stuttgart had a very good pre-season – victories against international opponents such as Zurich, Brentford and Valencia – but they could have done better in their German Cup debut against Dinamo Dresden, a third-league side whom Matarazzo’s men barely beat 1-0 last Sunday. Such an underwhelming performance would not be forgiven by Leipzig, with whom Stuttgart will make their league debut at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. The Roten Bullen showed they have some problems with ball possession, having first conceded five goals against Liverpool in a friendly and then five against Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup, the first trophy of the season, a week ago.
How to watch Stuttgart-Leipzig live on TV and streaming
christopher Nkunku ©️Ansafoto
Stuttgart-Leipzig, valid for the first day of the Bundesliga, is scheduled for Saturday at 15:30. It can be seen on live TV exclusively for Sky subscribers on Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202). The same broadcast will also be available in streaming via Sky Go, the service for mobile devices, and on NOW, Sky’s live and on-demand platform.
The Prediction
Leipzig will be looking to bounce back and turn over a new leaf after the German Super Cup clash with Bayern. Domenico Tedesco’s men may be suffering from a fitness problem, but their squad looks better than last year’s, if only because they have kept French striker Nkunku. The visitors should come out on top in a match in which Stuttgart are also likely to find their way to goal.
Stuttgart-Leipzig matchday squad
STOCKARDA (3-4-1-2): Müller; Mavropanos, Anton, Ito; Vagnoman, Endo, Ahamada, Silas; Führich; Kalajdzic, Tomas.
LIPSIA (3-4-1-2): Gulacsi; Simakan, Orban, Halstenberg; Henrichs, Laimer, Kampl, Raum; Dani Olmo; Nkunku, Silva.
