VfB Stuttgart vs Fortuna Dusseldorf Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Despite winning the most matches of any team in the German second division (11 wins from 18 matches played), Stuttgart stand as 3rd, one of three teams on 35 points in the Bundesliga 2. The South Germans trail behind league leaders Hannover 96 and 2nd placed Eintracht Braunschweig on goal difference alone and a fixture at home to mid-table side Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are win-less in five matches (D3 L2), should no doubt be considered an ample opportunity to continue challenging for the top spot.

Stuttgart are the favourites here at 8/13 and we feel there’s reasonable value in a bet on the home win here for the following reasons: despite Fortuna Dusseldorf having a sound defensive record through the first half of the season – the 3rd best defensive record in the Bundesliga 2 – their 2017 didn’t kick off as planned, with a 3-0 defeat at home to Sandhausen. Meanwhile, Stuttgart have one of the strongest home records (W6 L2), winning five consecutive matches at the Mercedes-Benz-Arena before a 2-1 defeat at home to Hannover just before the winter break. Dusseldorf are nowhere near on the same level as league leaders Hannover, so expecting Stuttgart to bounce back to their prior home form isn’t too far-fetched, especially when considering that Dusseldorf have failed to score in each of their last four Bundesliga 2 outings.

Most notable for Stuttgart is the form of the Bundesliga 2’s second top scorer Simon Terodde (11 goals in 16 appearances). He may have failed to score in each of Stuttgart’s last two matches (both away), but he’s in top form at home, with a massive seven goals over his last four appearances at the Mercedes-Benz-Arena (one hat-trick, one brace and two singles). Based on the above, he seems a decent shout for an anytime goalscorer here at 5/6 with bet365.

Regarding a correct score bet, though Stuttgart thrive at home, the South German’s have the joint weakest defense in the top 9 (21 goals conceded). Consequently, both teams to score, which has landed in 75% of their home matches, could still be on the cards despite Dusseldorf’s recent struggle in front of goal. Following off the above, we feel there’s decent value to be had in a Stuttgart 2-1 win at 7/1 here.