Stuttgart-Paris: Forcing the hand of fate

STANDINGS UPDATE

On their return to the Champions League after a 15-year absence, VfB Stuttgart have risen to the occasion. Beaten 3-1 on Matchday 1 by Real Madrid, Stuttgart were more successful in Turin, where they defeated Juventus 0-1. More recently, the German side outclassed Young Boys Bern at home (5-1), before beating Slovan Bratislava last week (1-3). With a balanced record of 3 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats, VfB lie 24th in the table and are more than ever in contention for a place in the next round.

After narrow defeats to Atlético Madrid (1-2) and Bayern Munich (1-0), Paris Saint-Germain have bounced back with two valuable wins in recent matches. The first came at the Stadion Salzburg, less than 300km from the Arena Stuttgart where the Parisians will be playing tomorrow (0-3). The second, of course, was against Manchester City last Wednesday, when the Parc des Princes went wild (4-2). Thanks to these two victories, Paris are back on track and now have 10 points, like their upcoming opponents, but sit two places above them thanks to a favourable goal difference.

Dynamics in numbers

Opposing forces

Sebastian Hoeness and his team mainly play a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system. In goal, Fabian Bredlow could take over from Alexander Nübel, with the German international on loan from Bayern Munich being a doubt. The starting goalkeeper should be backed up by the solid Jeff Chabot and Belgian international Ameen Al-Dakhil in central defence. The latter is expected to start in place of Frenchman Anthony Rouault, who is suspended for the match. Dan-Axel Zagadou, formerly of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, will also miss his reunion with the capital club through injury.

On the right of the defence, Josha Vagnoman is the unanimous choice of the VfB staff. The German international gives his team-mate Leonidas Stergiou very little playing time, after relegating him to the role of substitute. At left-back, Maximilian Mittelstädt (1 goal and 7 assists in all competitions this season) stands out for his attacking prowess. Another German international, he will be one of the pillars of his team's attack against the French capital club. In midfield, the imposing Atakan Karazor will, of course, be present, and the Stuttgart captain will be joined by the very promising Angelo Stiller (2 goals, 5 assists).

A product of Bayern Munich, the new German international has been one of the main architects of his side's successful start to the season. And he is not the only VfB player to be expected to make an impact against the Parisians, as Enzo Millot also poses a strong threat. Capable of playing both as a central playmaker and as a right-sided midfielder, the French U21 international (8 goals, 5 assists) is continuing his meteoric rise at the highest level. Winter signing Jacob Bruun Larsen will not be eligible for the match, but that will not stop Stuttgart from creating danger down the wings.

German international Jamie Leweling, who scored a brace in his last European outing, is the favourite to start on the right, while another German international, Chris Führich, could start on the left. Both of these are solid options for Stuttgart, who could also call on Fabian Rieder (2 goals, 7 assists), the Swiss international on loan from Stade Rennais FC. Up front, the Germans could be forgiven for thinking that the injury to El Bilal Touré and the unavailable Nick Woltemade (9 goals, 2 assists) would leave them at a disadvantage. However, the capital of Baden-Württemberg has plenty to offer, as shown by the fierce competition between Ermedin Demirovic (10 goals, 3 assists) and Deniz Undav (9 goals, 1 assist). The Parisian rearguard knows where it stands...