Stuttgart vs. Sparta Prague preview: Team news and predicted lineups
VfB Stuttgart impressed in their Champions League opener against Real Madrid, but were ultimately beaten 3-1 by the clinical defending champions in Madrid.
Sebastian Hoeness' men will be determined to get their first win of their European campaign when they host Sparta Prague at home on Tuesday, but the Czech champions sent out a clear message that they're not to be underestimated by beating RB Salzburg 3-0 in their first Champions League game of the season.
Following their 5-1 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart had to settle for a 2-2 draw by Wolfsburg at the weekend. Their chances were dented by Atakan Karazor's wrongful dismissal after 63 minutes, but Deniz Undav's late equaliser earned them a point.
Meanwhile, Sparta Prague will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, a 3-2 loss to Signa Olomouc.
“They play good football and are very well organized. They play very intensively and have started the season well,” said VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness of the opponents at a press conference on Monday.
“They lost a league game at the weekend for the first time in ages, are reigning double winners and will take the momentum from the first game against Salzburg with them. Nevertheless, we're full of euphoria and we know how powerful we can be. But we have to work hard for it. It's all about total commitment and the right attitude.”
Stuttgart will be without Al Dakhil (hip), Nartey (knee), Stergiou (back) and Zagadou (knee). Josha Vagnoman will miss out as well due to a foot injury, with Pascal Stenzel ready to replace him at right-back.
Deniz Undav is set to return to the starting eleven after coming off the bench against Wolfsburg, with either Jamie Leweling or Fabian Rieder likely to make way for him.
Cobbaut (muscle) and Garcia (knee) are definitely out for Sparta, while Mathias Ross (head) is a doubt.
Click here to see our predicted Stuttgart vs. Sparta Prague lineups.