VfB Stuttgart vs SC Freiburg
Two Top 4 hopefuls are set to convene at the MHPArena on Sunday, as VfB Stuttgart host SC Freiburg in one of the top games to watch in Matchday 20 of the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign.
VfB Stuttgart dropped to fifth place in the German top-flight standings, despite winning their previous league match against Borussia Monchengladbach (3-0). However, they’re still firmly in the hunt, as they’re level with fourth-seeded RB Leipzig at 36 points.
Two notches below them are SC Freiburg, who have 27 points, level with eighth-seeded Eintracht Frankfurt. The Black Forest are also coming off a league win, beating Koln 2-1 last Sunday night.
Both teams played in their final Europa League phase game yesterday, with SC Freiburg securing their Round of 16 berth, while VfB Stuttgart must go through the knockout play-offs. Given the short turnaround, fatigue may play a role in this highly anticipated matchup.
Talking Points
VfB Stuttgart star silences critics
Deniz Undav fired back at his critics after their 3-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach, as he came off the bench to score a late goal to help clinch three points. The German striker expressed frustration over the criticism he had faced before the game after failing to score in his previous two games against AS Roma and Union Berlin.
He had the right to speak up, as Undav is firing on all cylinders. His 10 goals since Matchday 8 cannot be bettered by anyone in the Bundesliga, not even Harry Kane (nine), and that tally is also the highest number of strikes he has recorded in the first half of a German top-flight campaign throughout his career. Overall, Undav’s 11 league goals are good for second place in the Golden Boot race so far this term.
With Undav leading the way, VfB Stuttgart have suffered just three losses in 12 Bundesliga matches since his return from injury in October. Most notably, four of Undav’s goals this term have come in the final 15 minutes – highlighting his clutch gene.
Yesterday, Undav set the tone for VfB Stuttgart in their 3-2 win over Young Boys by scoring the opening goal. However, despite winning the match, Die Schwaben failed to finish within the Top 8 of the league phase.
Matanovic showing off at SC Freiburg
Igor Matanovic has been a revelation for SC Freiburg, as the 22-year-old striker is the Black Forest’s second-leading scorer with five league goals, only one behind Vincenzo Grifo.
The Croatian international has scored three successive goals in all competitions before yesterday’s 1-0 loss to Lille. He has seized the starting No. 9 spot because Lucas Holer hasn’t been on target in the final third. Matanovic should return to the starting XI after coming off the bench against Lille in the Europa League.
In other news, Maximillian Eggestein received a straight red card yesterday against Les Dogues for stomping Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s foot. But fortunately for the Black Forest, his suspension doesn’t apply in Germany.
History
SC Freiburg won 3-1 against VfB Stuttgart in the reverse fixture last September, as Igor Matanovic’s brace and Derry Scherhant’s goal overturned a one-goal deficit created by Ermedin Demirovic early in the first half. Johan Manzambi also received his marching orders in stoppage time for a high boot on Ramon Hendriks. The Black Forest also won 3-1 at home last season, but lost 4-0 in Stuttgart.
Since losing to Bayern Munich (5-0) last December, VfB Stuttgart have been unbeaten in their last six matches, winning three of their last four. Sebastian Hoeneß’ men have also lost only one Bundesliga home match out of nine so far this season.
Julian Schuster’s side has lost only once in their last six Bundesliga games, as they continue to climb up the table.
Betting Tip
The Bundesliga 2026 odds favor VfB Stuttgart claiming maximum points on Sunday to help consolidate their Top 4 berth. Die Schwaben are 1.68 favourites to win, whereas the Black Forest are 4.22 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.73 in the 1X2 market. Despite the disparity of odds, we won’t be surprised if this is closer than expected.
Based on their recent encounters, football fans at the MHPArena should get their usual dose of Bundesliga 2026 highlights this weekend. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP punters may also consider adding Over 2.75 at 1.79, Over 3.00 at 2.02, and even Total Goals 4-6 at 2.72 to the parlay. Moreover, a Correct Score of 3-1 in favour of SC Freiburg – the result of their previous league encounter – has a tempting offer of 44.00 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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