The final matchday of the Champions League league phase brings a high-stakes clash as VfB Stuttgart host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the MHPArena in Germany. With both teams at risk of elimination, this match is a must-watch for football fans worldwide. A draw would see both sides advance to the play-offs, but UEFA’s format aims to avoid such scenarios, ensuring a competitive and thrilling encounter.
Match Overview
This is a straight shootout for a place in the Champions League play-offs. Stuttgart and PSG are level on 10 points after seven games, making this a winner-takes-all showdown. While a draw would suffice for both teams, neither side will want to leave their fate to chance.
PSG comes into this match on a high after a stunning 4-2 comeback victory over Manchester City last week, a performance that showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. However, their inconsistency in away games, especially in Germany, raises questions about their ability to secure a result here.
On the other hand, Stuttgart has been in strong form, with back-to-back wins in the Champions League against Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava. Despite a recent Bundesliga defeat to Mainz, Sebastian Hoeness’ side will be confident of causing an upset on home soil.
Key Match Details
- Location: Stuttgart, Germany
- Stadium: MHPArena
- Date: Wednesday, 29 January
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: Davide Massa (ITA)
- VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA)
Head-to-Head Record
This is the first-ever competitive meeting between VfB Stuttgart and PSG, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this crucial clash.
Current Form (All Competitions)
VfB Stuttgart
- Mainz 2-0 Stuttgart – 25/01/25
- Slovan Bratislava 1-3 Stuttgart – 21/01/25
- Stuttgart 4-0 Freiburg – 18/01/25
- Stuttgart 2-1 RB Leipzig – 15/01/25
- Augsburg 0-1 Stuttgart – 12/01/25
PSG
- PSG 1-1 Reims – 25/01/25
- PSG 4-2 Man City – 22/01/25
- Lens 1-2 PSG – 18/01/25
- Espaly 2-4 PSG – 15/01/25
- PSG 2-1 Saint-Etienne – 12/01/25
Team News and Predicted Lineups
VfB Stuttgart
Stuttgart will be without key defender Anthony Rouault, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Former Burnley defender Ameen Al Dakhil is expected to step in. Midfielder Enzo Millot, one of Stuttgart’s standout performers this season, returns to the starting XI after missing the Mainz defeat.
Injuries: El Bilal Toure, Dan-Axel Zagadou, and Luca Raimund Justin Diehl remain sidelined.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Nubel; Vagnoman, Al Dakhil, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Keitel, Stiller, Millot; Leweling, Undav, Fuhrich.
PSG
PSG’s new signing, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is ineligible for this match but will be available for the play-offs if PSG progress. Luis Enrique rested several key players in their 1-1 draw with Reims, including Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi, all of whom are expected to return.
Suspension: Nuno Mendes is suspended, so Lucas Hernandez will likely start at left-back.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hernandez; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembele, Ramos, Barcola.
Key Statistics
- PSG has won only 2 of their last 10 away matches in Germany in all competitions.
- Stuttgart has scored 10 goals in their last 5 home games across all competitions.
- PSG’s Bradley Barcola has been directly involved in 7 goals in his last 6 Champions League appearances.
- Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy has scored 8 goals in 7 Champions League games this season.
Prediction
This match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams aware of what’s at stake. While a draw would suit both sides, the desire to secure a higher seeding in the play-offs will likely push them to go for the win.
Stuttgart’s home advantage and recent form make them a formidable opponent, but PSG’s quality and experience in high-pressure situations could prove decisive. Expect a hard-fought battle, with both teams finding the net.
Final Score Prediction: VfB Stuttgart 1-1 PSG
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This match is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the Champions League league phase. Don’t miss the action as Stuttgart and PSG battle for a place in the next round!
