VfB Stuttgart vs Viking - UEFA Champions League

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings VfB Stuttgart and Viking together at the home ground on September 9, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the UEFA Champions League occasion. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

The standings paint a clear picture: VfB Stuttgart in 6th, Viking in 29th, and both keen to climb. When a side is winning 100% of their matches and posting L in their last five, as VfB Stuttgart have, the conversation shifts from form to silverware. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, L in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that leaves them deep in trouble. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — VfB Stuttgart average 3 per game to Viking's 1, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. He was sacked by Fiorentina after Che Adams' late goal for Torino left them bottom of the Serie A table with three defeats out of three.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. VfB Stuttgart favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Viking are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Man Utd are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Talisca, whose 4 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. But this only highlights the gulf between Van Hecke and every other defender in the Premier League even more.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Given the balance of the numbers, VfB Stuttgart should have enough to edge it — a 3-1 victory looks the most likely outcome. With positions in the UEFA Champions League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.