Stuttgart vs Fortuna Dusseldorf: Low scoring game expected at the Mercedes-Benz Arena

Mat Marshall

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Last updated: 13 Sep 2019

Mat Marshall 13 Sep 2019

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Stuttgart at home have been an under 2.5 goals gold mine

Stuttgart's Mario Gomez will hope to give the Mercedes-Benz Stadium faithful something to cheer about (Getty Images).

Stuttgart vs Fortuna Dusseldorf Preview & Betting Tips

Stuttgart are searching for their first Bundesliga win of the season as they host Fortuna Dusseldorf at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Friday. The Swabians like to keep things tight at home and the visitors should oblige to keep this one a low scoring affair.

VfB Stuttgart

Stuttgart got their first Bundesliga point on Sunday in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Freiburg on Matchday 3. Mario Gomez scored his second goal to put the Swabians 3-2 up, but they couldn’t hold on and had to settle for a point.

The result came after a 1-0 loss at Mainz and a 3-0 defeat against Bayern Munich. Manager Tayfun Korkut is unlikely to make many changes here with his only absentees being Daniel Didavi and Marc Oliver Kempf.

French World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard continues to play at a high level in central defence. Central midfielder Santiago Ascacíbar recently made his Argentina debut and both players will be vital for Stuttgart this season.

korkut stuttgart — Goals have been hard to come by for Stuttgart under manager Tayfun Korkut (Getty Images).

Fortuna Dusseldorf

The newly promoted club have improved in their opening three matches in the Bundesliga, recording their first win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory against Hoffenheim on Matchday 3. Friedhelm Funkel’s side rode their luck at times but won’t be complaining.

Alfredo Morales put Dusseldorf ahead but Reiss Nelson’s 86th minute equaliser looked to have snatched a draw. Substitute Dodi Lukebakio had other ideas however, stepping up and converting a penalty after hitting the woodwork minutes earlier.

Matthias Zimmermann has enjoyed a fine start to the season after leaving Stuttgart on a free transfer in the summer. The versatile player has a goal and an assist in three starts and will be looking to inflict some damage on his former side.

Zimmermann fortuna — Fortuna Duesseldorf's Matthias Zimmermann has started the season in great form (Getty Images).

Head-to-Head

The home team have traditionally dominated this contest, with Stuttgart winning 13 and losing just twice in 22 attempts at home against Dusseldorf.

These clubs met two seasons ago in the 2. Bundesliga with Fortuna winning 1-0 in Dusseldorf before Stuttgart won 2-0 at home.

Match Up

Stuttgart broke their goal duck with three scored at Freiburg and Mario Gomez bagging a brace. The experienced striker will be an important player for Stuttgart this season but needs service.

Tayfun Korkut looks to keep things tight, with two deep lying central midfielders and wingers that defend more than they attack. As such, I don’t expect much attacking fireworks here against a newly promoted side.

Key Statistics

Stuttgart have seen under 2.5 goals in 11 of their last 12 home matches (Bundesliga).
Stuttgart have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 8 home matches (Bundesliga).
Stuttgart and Fortuna Dusseldorf have seen Under 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 6 encounters (All competitions).
Fortuna Dusseldorf have lost 12 and drawn 3 of their last 15 away matches (Bundesliga).

Verdict

Stuttgart haven’t won a match in the Bundesliga this season and failed to get past Mainz and Freiburg. Their home matches have been trending towards the under 2.5 goals for some time and that’s where the value is here.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10