Stuttgart Betting

Bad luck

After winning the title two years ago Stuttgart had a difficult task of defending the title last season. Young team led by coach Veh, after a historical success, failed in handling the teams that got pretty stronger in the meantime, like Bayern. Weak form and some of key players' injuries during the most of the season brought the team on 13th place at one point, where they even had to join the relegation battle. It was the result of debutant performance in the Champions league where they recorded four defeats in first four matches and ended up outside of UEFA Cup qualification, even. Second part of the season was much better. Many connect it with their best player, Mario Gomez's recovery who was absent in most of the games because of injury. Also, there were no other battlefields so Stuttgart focused only on the championship. They ended the season on sixth, only two points away from UEFA Cup zone. All in all Stuttgart fans will try to forget the last season as soon as possible.

Defense and attack

Coach Veh is convinced in success this season. They kept Mario Gomez although many already saw him in Bayern, while the squad suffered some changes. First of all, experienced 38-year-old Jens Lehman, who finally came back from Arsenal to Germany will be in front of the net. Many doubt his quality and the mere fact that Arsenal are not counting on him anymore speaks enough of Stuttgart's net security. Still, his experience can be very useful, especially after captain Meira left to Galatasaray and the fact that defense needs a new leader. A very important back up in defense will be Khalid Boulahrouz, who after a trip to Chelsea and Sevilla came back to Bundesliga. It seems that Gottlieb-Daimler stadium could like in the season when they won the title, become the unconquerable fortress. Besides defense, home fans also rely on mentioned Super Mario who could finally shine after his recovery. His reserve Ciprian Marica who came from Shakhtar Donetsk last season didn't give a too good performance but he is expected to start functioning this season considering that he has adjusted to Bundesliga.

In

Jens Lehman (Arsenal), Khalid Boulahrouz (Chelsea), Clemens Walch (Salzburg), Martin Lanig (Greuther Furth), Jan Simak (Carl Zeiss Jena)

Out

Fernando Meira (Galatasaray), Alexander Farnerud (Brondby), Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim), Raphael Schofer (Nürnberg), Antonio da Silva (Karlsruhe)

Verdict:

It is hard to believe that Stuttgart can mark a weaker season than the last one. The team owns a quality for the top and without pressure they were under last season, Stuttgart can again be the surprise of the championship. Still, it is unrealistic to expect a place among top 3, though if they start well enthusiasm could take them far. The most realistic goal for Stuttgart this season will be a place in one of the European competitions.

Our tip: 3rd to 5th place
Odds
Bookmaker: Bet365