A mid-season friendly battle could be used to try a different tactic.
Stuttgart and Ajax face off on Sunday at the Robert-Schlienz-Stadion in a mid-season friendly that promises to sharpen both teams ahead of their domestic returns.
Stuttgart, currently 10th in the Bundesliga, is eager to regain momentum after a narrow 1-0 defeat to St. Pauli ended their four-match unbeaten streak. Sebastian Hoeness’ team will use this match as a tune-up before facing RB Leipzig when their championship resumes.
Meanwhile, Ajax, second in the Eredivisie, are chasing leaders PSV. This friendly marks their only mid-season clash outside the Netherlands.
To start up
Sunday, January 5 at 6:30 p.m. IST
Lieu: Stade Robert Schlienz
Form
Stuttgart: WWWWL
Ajax : LLWWW
Players to watch
Ermedin Demirovic (Stuttgart)
Ermedin Demirović stood out on the German side. In 15 Bundesliga matches, he scored seven goals and provided one assist. His ability to play as a target forward has helped him and his team find the back of the net when needed. Additionally, his tall physique makes him a difficult task for defenders to contain in aerial duels.
Chuba Akpom (Ajax)
Akpom’s stay in Amsterdam was very mixed. With 27 appearances in all competitions, he has scored seven goals and provided one assist. So those numbers aren’t exactly explosive, but his versatility was on display as Akpom took up various offensive positions. Injuries and inconsistent form have hampered his performances at Ajax, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t attracting attention from other European teams.
Matching Facts
- While Stuttgart’s winning streak was interrupted in the last match, Ajax will play this match after three consecutive dubs.
- Stuttgart and Ajax have never played a match against each other before
- Ajax have kept a clean sheet in each of the last three matches
Stuttgart vs Ajax: Betting Tips and Odds
- Tip 1: Ajax wins
- Tip 2: Both teams score
- Tip 3: More than 3 goals
Injuries and team news
Stuttgart will be without Dan-Axel Zagadou until early February 2025 due to injury, while El Bilal Touré is out with a broken ankle and is expected to return at the end of March. Justin Diehl, with a hamstring injury, is also doubtful for the near future, with an expected return in mid-January.
Ajax are facing some injury concerns, with Amourricho van Axel Dongen, Benjamin Tahirovic, Gaston Avila and Julian Rijkhoff all doubtful due to knocks and knee injuries. The extent of their recovery will determine whether they participate in this mid-season friendly against Stuttgart.
Face to face
This will be their first meeting
Planned lineups
Stuttgart (3-4-2-1)
Nubel ; Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt ; Vagnoman, Keitel, Stiller, Fuhrich ; Millot, Woltermade ; Demirovic
Ajax (3-4-1-2)
feather key; Rensch, Rugani, Basse; Home, Henderson, Taylor, Hato; Klaasen; Thank you, Weghorst
Match prediction
Stuttgart lost its momentum and winning streak after the defeat in the last match. But Ajax, on the other hand, brings solid momentum. If we’re going to stick with that, then the visitors should get the win.
Prediction: Stuttgart 1-3 Ajax
Telecast Details
N / A
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