VfB Stuttgart host FC Köln at the MHPArena on Friday, September 4, with kick-off scheduled for 18:30 local time. This Bundesliga match brings together two teams that experienced contrasting opening rounds. Stuttgart began their campaign with a heavy 5-1 defeat against FC Bayern München, while Köln collected three points by beating TSG Hoffenheim 3-2. The hosts therefore enter the second matchday looking for an immediate response, whereas the visitors will attempt to extend an encouraging sequence of results. Both opening fixtures produced plenty of goals, and the wider statistics also suggest that attacking action could play a major role. Stuttgart have scored in 19 of their last 20 Bundesliga matches, while Köln have found the net in 19 of their previous 20 league games. However, the visitors have also conceded in each of their last 15 Bundesliga fixtures. Stuttgart hold the stronger recent head-to-head record, recording four wins and one draw across the available five-match summary, including a 3-1 victory on February 14, 2026.

VfB Stuttgart Recent Form and Key Statistics

VfB Stuttgart are 18th in the Bundesliga after losing their opening match 5-1. That result leaves them with season averages of one goal scored and five conceded, although a single round offers only a limited picture of their broader form. Across their last five matches, Stuttgart have recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats, averaging 2.0 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game.

The home side had previously produced a convincing 4-0 cup win against Hansa Rostock, and their recent matches have regularly delivered goals. At least two total goals have been scored in each of Stuttgart's last 13 fixtures. Second-half action has been particularly consistent: more than 0.5 second-half goals have been recorded in their last 14 matches overall, their previous 20 Bundesliga games and their last 10 home league fixtures. Stuttgart have also scored at least once in 19 of their last 20 Bundesliga appearances, an attacking sequence that gives them a platform from which to pursue a recovery.

Dzenan Pejcinovic has already scored three competitive goals, while Josha Vagnoman supplied Stuttgart's goal in the opening league defeat. In terms of availability, goalkeeper Dennis Seimen is sidelined by a thigh injury, with Florian Bredlow expected to continue in goal. Nikolas Nartey remains affected by a fitness issue, and Chris Führich is also expected to miss out. The participation of Dan-Axel Zagadou, Jeremy Arevalo, Justin Diehl and Luca Jaquez is uncertain.

FC Köln Recent Form and Key Statistics

FC Köln arrive in sixth place after opening their Bundesliga season with a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim. Their current league averages stand at three goals scored and two conceded. The result also continued an impressive five-match run in which Köln have registered four wins and one draw, scoring an average of 3.4 goals and allowing 1.2 per fixture.

The visitors have produced especially clear trends at both ends of the pitch. They have scored in each of their last 12 matches, but have also conceded in their previous 16. Both teams have found the net in Köln's last 12 games overall and in their last 11 Bundesliga fixtures. Their away numbers follow a similar pattern: Köln have conceded in 14 consecutive away matches and in each of their previous 13 league trips. At least two total goals have been recorded in their last 13 away fixtures, including the last 12 played away in the Bundesliga.

Köln's matches have also tended to remain active after the interval. More than 0.5 second-half goals have been scored in their last 10 games and in 26 of their previous 29 Bundesliga fixtures. Both sides scored during the second half in 11 of Köln's last 16 matches, including 11 of the last 15 in league competition. One contrasting detail is their first-half record: FC Köln have been behind at half-time in four consecutive matches and in each of their last three Bundesliga games.

Said El Mala began the league campaign with a goal and is available for this fixture. By contrast, Luca Waldschmidt continues to deal with muscular problems. Sebastian Sebulonsen has sustained a thigh injury and is also expected to be absent on Friday.

VfB Stuttgart vs FC Köln Match Analysis

The main question is whether Stuttgart can turn home advantage into a reaction after their difficult opening result. The hosts have dominated the recent head-to-head record, winning four and drawing one of the last five meetings covered by the supplied summary. During that sequence, Stuttgart averaged 2.2 goals scored and only 0.6 conceded. They won the latest encounter 3-1 and also claimed a 2-1 success in the other meeting from the previous season.

Nevertheless, Köln's current form means another home victory cannot be taken for granted. The visitors are unbeaten across their last five matches and have displayed strong scoring form, but their persistent run without a clean sheet creates opportunities for Stuttgart. Köln's sequence of 12 consecutive matches in which both teams scored is particularly relevant when combined with Stuttgart's record of scoring in 19 of their last 20 Bundesliga games.

The available probabilities reflect a competitive match with a slight home edge. Stuttgart have a 49% win probability, compared with 25% for a draw and 26% for a Köln victory. The goal markets are similarly balanced but lean toward attacking outcomes: both teams to score is rated at 55%, while over 2.5 goals stands at 54%. Stuttgart's long sequence of matches featuring second-half goals and Köln's repeated combination of scoring and conceding support the prospect of chances at both ends. With the hosts seeking a response and the visitors carrying positive momentum, the strongest statistical theme is that neither attack should be dismissed.

VfB Stuttgart vs FC Köln prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 55% probability.