VfB Stuttgart – SC Freiburg | Betting Tip, Odds & Prediction (18.01.2025)

Kick-off: Saturday 18 January 2025, at 2:30 PM

On Saturday, 18th January 2025, VfB Stuttgart will host SC Freiburg at the Mercedes-Benz Arena for the 18th matchday of the Bundesliga. Stuttgart goes into the match as the slight favourite and will be aiming to secure all three points at home, while Freiburg will be looking to take something from the match, despite their fluctuating form this season.

The recent encounters between these two teams have often been high-scoring, which makes the “Both Teams to Score” bet particularly appealing.

Form Analysis: VfB Stuttgart

VfB Stuttgart currently sits in 5th place with 29 points from 17 matches. In their last five games, they recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. Stuttgart has been particularly strong at home, securing 13 points from 8 home games. In terms of attack, Stuttgart is well-positioned with Marvin Ducksch (4 goals) and Mitchell Weiser (3 goals), both of whom have created many goal-scoring opportunities.

Ducksch has been central in Stuttgart’s offensive play, not only scoring goals but also assisting. Stuttgart often relies on quick counterattacks and high intensity, which can lead to high-scoring games.

However, Stuttgart’s defence has shown some vulnerabilities, having conceded 32 goals so far this season. This suggests that Freiburg could exploit these defensive gaps, particularly with their strong attacking line. In recent home games, such as against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart has conceded goals, which supports the likelihood of an open, attacking match in which both teams could score.

Key Players:

• Marvin Ducksch: The forward is Stuttgart’s key player in attack. His ability to score and create opportunities will play a vital role in this match.
• Mitchell Weiser: The quick winger provides a lot of danger down the flanks. His crosses and runs can put Freiburg’s defence under pressure.
• Michael Zetterer: The goalkeeper will be crucial in preventing Freiburg’s attacks and ensuring Stuttgart’s defence remains stable. He has made crucial saves in recent matches, helping Stuttgart secure victories.

Form Analysis: SC Freiburg

SC Freiburg currently sits in 8th place with 27 points from 17 games. In their last five matches, Freiburg has won three and lost two. Freiburg has been especially strong in attack, with key players like Vincenzo Grifo (5 goals) and Ritsu Doan (5 goals) both providing a significant threat in front of goal.

However, Freiburg’s defence has been inconsistent, having conceded 18 goals this season, which makes them vulnerable against Stuttgart’s attacking line.

Despite their defensive weaknesses, Freiburg has shown that they can surprise stronger teams, especially when playing on the counterattack. Their attacking strengths lie in their ability to move quickly and exploit spaces in the opposition’s defence. If Freiburg can expose Stuttgart’s defensive flaws, they may have a chance to take something from this match.

Key Players:

• Vincenzo Grifo: The Italian winger is Freiburg’s main creative player. He is capable of both scoring and setting up goals, making him a constant danger in attack.
• Ritsu Doan: The Japanese forward has been instrumental in Freiburg’s offensive play, both scoring and assisting.
• Matthias Ginter: The experienced central defender is vital in keeping Freiburg’s defence solid. If he can organise the backline effectively, Freiburg can keep Stuttgart at bay.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In the last five encounters between VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg, Stuttgart has won three times, Freiburg once, and there has been one draw. The most recent encounter in the 2023/24 season ended in a 2-1 win for Stuttgart. Stuttgart has generally had the upper hand at home, and their offensive power appears stronger this season, making them the favourites for this match. However, Freiburg has shown that they can be dangerous, especially when they play to their strengths in counterattacking.

Tactical Analysis

VfB Stuttgart will likely play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solid defensive play and quick transitions to attack. Their central midfielders, Atakan Karazor and Silas Katompa Mvumpa, will provide both defensive stability and attacking creativity. The wingers, including Mitchell Weiser and Chris Führich, will support Ermedin Demirovic in the centre-forward position. Stuttgart will look to break Freiburg’s defensive setup through fast, dynamic attacks.

Freiburg is likely to play in a 4-3-3 formation, with Grifo and Doan providing width and supporting the central striker. Freiburg’s strength lies in their counterattacks, which are effective when exploiting spaces left open by the opposition. Matthias Ginter’s leadership in defence will be key to maintaining a solid structure, especially when under pressure from Stuttgart’s attacking play.

Predicted Line-ups:

• VfB Stuttgart (4-2-3-1): Müller – Endo, Mavropanos, Karazor, Sosa – Ahamada, Mvumpa – Weiser, Führich, Ducksch – Kalajdzic
• SC Freiburg (4-3-3): Flekken – Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Günter – Höfler, Grifo, Doan – Sallai, Höler, Petersen

Betting Options and Odds:

1. Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 2.05): Both teams are capable of scoring in this match given their attacking power and recent form.
2. Over 2.5 Goals (Odds: 2.10): Given the attacking nature of both sides, a high-scoring game is likely.
3. Stuttgart to Win (Odds: 2.25): Stuttgart, with their strong home form and attacking strength, will be looking to secure the win.

Bet Tip & Prediction: VfB Stuttgart – SC Freiburg (18.01.2025)

This match is expected to be competitive with both teams likely to score. Stuttgart’s home advantage and attacking quality give them the edge, but Freiburg’s counter-attacks will provide a serious challenge.

• Our Tip: Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 2.05)
• Score Prediction: 3-1 for VfB Stuttgart