Stuttgart’s 1-1 draw away to mid-table side VfL Bochum last Friday extended the South German’s unbeaten streak to three matches (W2 D1). Captain and top scorer Christian Gentner, who is the cornerstone of the Stuttgart lineup in central midfield (pictured above), put Stuttgart ahead early in the second half with his third goal in seven appearances. However, Bochum maintained their unbeaten run at home when substitute Johannes Wurtz came on to score his second of the season. Stuttgart stand (pre-matchday eight) one point behind Union Berlin, Hannover 96, and Heidenheim, who are all equal on 14 points, and five points behind league leaders Eintracht Braunschweig, who they beat 2-0 at home a few weeks back. With promotion back into the top flight being the target for the hosts, this challenging fixture against Greuther Furth is a must win.
Greuther Furth are another 2. Bundesliga side that hail from the South of Germany. Furth are in decent form and will no doubt still be ecstatic about their 2-1 derby win away to FC Nurnberg on matchday six. Furth were not too dangerous last time out, but they were definitely the better side with more of the possession. Furth’s 1-0 lead was not meant to be, however, as a 93rd minute goal from Sandhausen’s Andrew Wooten saw them only take away a point at home in their 1-1 draw last Friday.
Stuttgart are the bookies’ favourite for this match at 4/6. While we definitely fancy the hosts for the win here, we feel there is better value to be had than an outright home win bet here. We expect an entertaining match for the neutral fan when considering that over 2.5 goals and both teams to score has landed in six of Stuttgart’s nine most recent competitive home matches and in five of Furth’s six most recent competitive away matches. Further backing up the high scoring trend are Stuttgart’s average of 1.7 goals scored at home so far this season and the fact that Furth havn’t failed to score in any of their eleven 2. Bundesliga away matches in 2016.
As such, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score at 1/1 and Stuttgart to win 2-1 at 7/1 are our choice bets for this match.
Head To Head
Stuttgart won 2-0 away to Furth when the two sides last met competitively in the 2012/2013 Bundesliga season. Over all six meetings between the two sides, Stuttgart have won four and lost two.
Stats
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score has landed in six of Stuttgart's nine most recent competitive home matches and in five of Furth's six most recent competitive away matches. Furth haven't failed to score in any 2. Bundesliga away match in 2016.
Team News
Stuttgart have no notable injuries or suspensions to report ahead of this match.
Greuther Furth remain doubtful over wingers Sercan Sararer and Mathis Bolly, who are both still in development training after signing from Fortuna Dusseldorf over the summer,
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German Bundesliga 2
