The Europa League round of 16 continues on Thursday as VfB Stuttgart welcome FC Porto to the MHPArena for the first leg of their knockout tie.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, adding extra intrigue to a contest between a high-scoring Bundesliga side and the Portuguese league leaders.

Stuttgart reached this stage after defeating Celtic in the playoffs, while Porto progressed directly after finishing inside the top eight of the Europa League league phase standings.

Match Preview

Stuttgart aiming to take advantage at home

Stuttgart entered the knockout phase full of confidence after eliminating Celtic 4–2 on aggregate in the playoff round.

A commanding 4–1 victory in Glasgow essentially sealed the tie before the German side suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat in the return leg.

That result was notable for one reason — it ended a run of 10 consecutive matches in which Stuttgart had scored.

Under manager Sebastian Hoeness, Stuttgart have become one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting attacking teams.

Across their last 11 matches in all competitions, Stuttgart have recorded:

• 7 wins
• 2 draws
• 2 defeats

Their strong attacking record has been particularly evident at the MHPArena, where they have won five of their last seven matches since the start of the year.

In four of those victories, Stuttgart scored three or more goals, highlighting the attacking firepower they will bring into this clash.

However, defensive concerns remain.

Die Roten have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five Europa League matches, something Porto’s experienced forwards will look to exploit.

Domestically, Stuttgart remain competitive in the Bundesliga title race.

Last weekend’s 2–2 draw against Mainz left them fourth in the table, narrowly ahead of RB Leipzig on goal difference.

Porto seeking improvement away from home

Porto arrive in Germany after a dramatic 2–2 draw against Benfica in O Clássico.

The Dragons had taken control of the match thanks to goals from Victor Froholdt and Oskar Pietuszewski, but Benfica fought back in the second half to secure a draw.

Despite the setback, Porto remain four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga.

However, their recent away form has been a concern.

The Portuguese giants have won just one of their last five away matches in all competitions, recording:

• 1 win
• 2 draws
• 2 defeats

Their struggles on the road were also evident in Europe.

Porto have failed to win their last three Europa League away games, drawing two and losing one.

Still, the Dragons have significant European pedigree.

The club famously won the Europa League in 2010–11, and they are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time since that triumph.

Their direct qualification to the round of 16 came after a 3–1 win over Rangers on the final matchday of the league phase.

Form Guide

Stuttgart Europa League form

W L W

Stuttgart form (all competitions)

W W L D W D

Porto Europa League form

W W D W

Porto form (all competitions)

W W W L D

Team News

Stuttgart

Stuttgart continue to deal with a couple of injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s clash.

Lazar Jovanovic remains sidelined due to a back injury.

Meanwhile, Josha Vagnoman is a doubt for a third consecutive match with a thigh problem.

Midfielder Bilal El Khannouss returns to the squad after missing the Bundesliga match against Mainz through suspension.

Several Stuttgart players are walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Maximilian Mittelstadt, Angelo Stiller and Deniz Undav are each one yellow card away from a European suspension.

Stuttgart Possible Starting XI

Nubel
Assignon – Jeltsch – Chabot – Mittelstadt
Karazor – Stiller
El Khannouss – Undav – Leweling
Demirovic

Porto

Porto also have a number of squad concerns heading into the first leg.

Attackers Samu Omorodion and Luuk de Jong have both been ruled out for the remainder of the season with knee injuries.

Defender Nehuen Perez remains unavailable due to an Achilles injury.

Meanwhile, Martim Fernandes is a major doubt after being forced off in the Benfica match due to physical discomfort.

Defenders Dominik Prpic, Jan Bednarek and Alberto Costa are all one yellow card away from suspension.

Porto Possible Starting XI

Diogo Costa
Alberto Costa – Bednarek – Kiwior – Zaidu
Froholdt – Varela – Veiga
Pepe – Gul – Gomes

Key Stats

• Stuttgart have scored in 10 of their last 11 matches
• Stuttgart have failed to keep a clean sheet in five straight Europa League games
• Porto have won only one of their last five away matches
• Porto have not won their last three Europa League away fixtures
• Stuttgart have scored 3+ goals in four of their last seven home matches

Prediction

This tie is finely balanced.

Stuttgart’s attacking strength and home advantage could give them the edge in the first leg, particularly against a Porto side that has struggled away from home recently.

However, Porto’s experience in European competitions should ensure they remain competitive.

Predicted Score

Stuttgart 2 – 1 Porto

Betting Tips

✅ Stuttgart to Win
✅ Both Teams to Score
✅ Over 2.5 Goals

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