VfB Stuttgart vs Ajax Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

A mid-season friendly battle could be used to try out a different tactic.

Stuttgart and Ajax square off at the Robert-Schlienz-Stadion on Sunday in a mid-season friendly that promises to sharpen both sides ahead of their domestic returns.

Stuttgart, currently 10th in the Bundesliga, are eager to regain momentum after a narrow 1-0 loss to St. Pauli which ended their four-game unbeaten streak. Sebastian Hoeness’ squad will use this match as a tune-up before facing RB Leipzig in their league restart.

Meanwhile, Ajax, sitting second in the Eredivisie, are chasing down leaders PSV. This friendly marks their only mid-season clash outside the Netherlands.

Kick-off

Sunday, January 5 at 6:30 PM IST

Location: Robert-Schlienz-Stadion

Form

Stuttgart: W-W-W-W-L

Ajax: L-L-W-W-W

Players to watch

Ermedin Demirovic (Stuttgart)

Ermedin Demirović has been a standout for the German side. In 15 Bundesliga appearances, he’s netted seven goals and provided one assist. His ability to play as the target man up front has helped him and his team to find the back of the net when needed. Plus, his tall physique makes him a tough task for the defenders to contain in the air duels.

Doesn't officially count as an assist due to the heavy deflection, but Ermedin Demirović played a part in Stuttgart's comeback. Has his moments where he's technically inconsistent, but how he uses his upper body strength to protect the ball is a powerful tool. pic.twitter.com/wXzOxSiZ6j

— Bosniaco (@BiHFooty) December 7, 2024

Chuba Akpom (Ajax)

Akpom’s time in Amsterdam has been a mix bag. With 27 appearances across all competitions, he’s scored seven goals and provided one assist. So, these numbers don’t really scream explosive, but his versatility has been on show as Akpom has stepped up in various attacking positions. Injuries and inconsistent form have hindered his performances in Ajax, but that doesn’t mean he is not catching the attention of other European teams.

🚨 Chuba Akpom would be open to a loan move to Ligue 1 this January.(Source: @footmercato) pic.twitter.com/JAfr4XHk2W

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 24, 2024

Match facts

• While Stuttgart’s winning streak got broken in the last game, Ajax will play this game on the back of three consecutive dubs
• Stuttgart and Ajax have not played a match against each other before
• Ajax have kept a clean sheet in each of the last three games

Stuttgart vs. Ajax: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Ajax to win
• Tip 2: Both teams to score
• Tip 3: Over 3 goals

Injury & team news

Stuttgart will be without Dan-Axel Zagadou until early February 2025 due to injury, while El Bilal Touré is sidelined with a broken ankle, expected to return in late March. Justin Diehl, dealing with a hamstring injury, is also doubtful for the near future, with a return anticipated in mid-January.

Ajax are facing a few injury concerns of their own, with Amourricho van Axel Dongen, Benjamin Tahirovic, Gaston Avila, and Julian Rijkhoff all doubtful due to knocks and knee injuries. The extent of their recoveries will determine if they feature in this mid-season friendly against Stuttgart.

Head-to-head

This will be their first meeting

Predicted lineups

Stuttgart (3-4-2-1)

Nubel; Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Vagnoman, Keitel, Stiller, Fuhrich; Millot, Wolttermade; Demirovic

Ajax (3-4-1-2)

Pasveer; Rensch, Rugani, Baas; Gaaei, Henderson, Taylor, Hato; Klaasen; Akpom, Weghorst

Match prediction

Stuttgart have lost the momentum and their winning streak, after the loss in the last game. But Ajax, on the other hand, bring in solid momentum. If we are to go by that, then the visitors should get the win.

Prediction: Stuttgart 1-3 Ajax

Telecast Details

N/A

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