Preview: VfB Stuttgart vs FC Porto Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Europa League 2025-26 Round of 16 first leg

This is going to be the first-ever confrontation between these clubs.

VfB Stuttgart are all set to battle it out against FC Porto for their first-leg round of 16 fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League. This is going to be an interesting clash, taking place at the MHP Arena.

The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw by Mainz 05 in what was their recent league fixture. They have not been very consistent in their last few matches.

This can become a problem for them in their European competition fixture. Even though VfB Stuttgart will be at home, it is not going to be an easy contest for them.

FC Porto have underperformed in their last two games. They have seen a sudden drop in momentum.

It is going to make things tougher for them going into their UEFA Europa League clash. The Dragons should put up a strong fight against the Reds, despite being away from home.

Kick-off:

• Location: Stuttgart, Germany
• Stadium: MHP Arena
• Date: Thursday, March 12
• Kick-off Time: 11:15 p.m. IST/ 05:45 p.m. GMT/ 12:45 p.m. ET/ 09:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: Donatas Rumšas
• VAR: In use

Form:

Stuttgart: W-D-L-W-D

Porto: W-W-W-L-D

Players to Watch

Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)

From helping his side in the midfield to being useful in the attacking front, Deniz Undav is going to play a crucial role for VfB Stuttgart. He has been one of the most consistent players for his side on the field and will be yet again looking to help them out. With the ball at his feet, he is surely going to create problems for the Dragons.

Deniz #Undav 🆚 Mainz 💪#VfB | #M05VfB 2-2 pic.twitter.com/Wttd5dt6SE

— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) March 8, 2026

Oskar Pietuszewski (FC Porto)

Oskar Pietuszewski will be looking to step up his game so that he can get his side back on the winning track. He has scored two goals in his last three matches for FC Porto and is going to be one of the main men in the attacking front for the visitors. The 17-year-old will lead the attack from the left for the visitors.

Match Facts

• VfB Stuttgart have won two of their last three matches.
• FC Porto have secured three wins in their last five attempts.
• These sides are going to face one another for the first time.

Stuttgart vs Porto: Betting Tips and Odds

• VfB Stuttgart to win
• Deniz Undav to score
• Goals over 3.5

Injury and Team News

VfB Stuttgart will not have Lazar Jovanovic, Josha Vagnoman, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Justin Diehl in action due to their injuries.

Samu Aghehowa is not going to be in action for FC Porto. He is injured. Nehuen Perez might also miss out due to a lack of fitness. Luuk de Jong is back in training.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 0

Stuttgart won: 0

Porto won: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

VfB Stuttgart predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Nübel (GK); Assignon, Jaquez, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Undav, Führich; Demirovic

FC Porto predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Diogo Costa (GK); Alberto Costa, Silva, Bednarek, Moura; Fofana, Varela, Mora; Pepe, Moffi, Pietuszewski

Match Prediction

The hosts will be pushing for a win, while the Dragons will be eager to put up a strong fight. VfB Stuttgart might take down FC Porto in their upcoming round of 16 contest of the UEFA Europa League.

Prediction: Stuttgart 3-1 Porto

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Middle East/North Africa: beIN Sports

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