Preview and odds analysis for Cologne vs Stuttgart at 22:30 on September 28, Round 5 of the Bundesliga

Preview and odds analysis for Cologne vs Stuttgart (22:30, September 28). Predictions, expected lineups, and expert opinions for the Round 5 Bundesliga 2025-26 clash between Cologne and Stuttgart.

Preview of the Cologne vs Stuttgart match

90-minute odds: 1/4 : 0

Total goals: 3

Cologne earned promotion to the Bundesliga 2025-26 after winning the 2.Bundesliga championship, and under new coach Lukas Kwasniok, they aim to avoid relegation but have loftier goals. The Billy Goats started strongly with two straight wins, including a 4-1 thrashing of Freiburg, conceding only a late goal. Their sole home game this season was a 3-0 victory over Jahn Regensburg in the DFB Pokal. However, Cologne recently lost 1-3 to RB Leipzig, ending their unbeaten run and dropping to 4th place with 7 points, two behind Leipzig and three behind Dortmund. With the league's third-best scoring offense, Cologne is confident facing Stuttgart.

Stuttgart, led by coach Sebastian Hoeness, finished mid-table last season but aims for a top 4 finish this year. After losing 1-2 to Bayern in the Super Cup and the Bundesliga opener, Die Roten have won 5 of 6 matches across all competitions, including 2-0 against St Pauli and 2-1 versus Celta Vigo in the Europa League, with Bilal El Khannous standing out. Stuttgart is currently 8th with 6 points, one behind Cologne. Their impressive away record—7 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses since April—gives them confidence at RheinEnergieStadion. However, head-to-head history is not in their favor, with Cologne winning 3 of the last 5 meetings.

Cologne has home advantage and a strong attack, but Stuttgart is in great form and sharp on the road. The match promises to be thrilling with many goals.