The DFB-Pokal quarter-final clash between VfB Stuttgart and FC Augsburg on February 4, 2025, presents an intriguing matchup in German football. Stuttgart, despite a recent three-game losing streak, is favored to win due to their historical dominance over Augsburg. The prediction suggests a close contest, with a projected scoreline of 2-1 in favor of Stuttgart . This encounter not only highlights the competitive nature of the tournament but also underscores the unpredictable dynamics inherent in knockout competitions.
Sebastian Hoeneß's men fell to a 2-1 defeat against Gladbach on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a late winner from Tim Kleindienst. The loss was the third in the space of a week for VfB, with the period being the first real bump in the road for Hoeneß at the club since taking over in 2023.
In an attempt to get their form back on track, Die Schwaben now turn their attention to DFB-Pokal action, where they face Augsburg for a place in the semi-finals.
Augsburg travel to the MHP Arena riding high on the back of a five-game unbeaten start to 2025 that includes four wins. Teenager Mert Kömür epitomised the confidence levels currently flowing through the squad with a stunning late equaliser in Saturday's draw with St. Pauli as Jess Thorup's charges stretched their buffer on the relegation zone to 12 points. In fact, they're now just five points outside the top six, with 14 rounds of fixtures still to play. Kömür could be rewarded with a starting berth in Stuttgart, while Keven Schlotterbeck is expected to return in defence as Augsburg - beaten quarter-finalists in 2018/19 - bid to reach the last four of German football's domestic cup for the second time in their history.
Stuttgart possible starting lineup: Nubel; Vagnoman, Rouault, Leitsch, Mittelstadt; Larsen, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, Woltemade
Augsburg possible starting lineup: Dahmen; Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Banks; Wolf, Rexhbecaj, Onyeka, Giannoulis; Maier, Claude-Maurice, Essende
The visitors also have attacking options that can trouble a vulnerable Stuttgart backline. Alexis Claude-Maurice has been in good form, while Samuel Essende and Arne Maier offer further creativity in the final third. Against a Stuttgart team that has only managed one big chance in their last match, Augsburg’s ability to take advantage of defensive lapses could be the decisive factor.
With Stuttgart’s confidence low and Augsburg’s steady improvement evident, this match looks set to be closer than the league standings suggest. Given Augsburg’s resilience and Stuttgart’s recent struggles, backing the visitors to progress to the semi-finals looks like the best value bet.
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