VfB Stuttgart prepares to host 1. FC Köln in Bundesliga matchday two

VfB Stuttgart hosts 1. FC Köln at the MHPArena for the opening match of the second Bundesliga round of the 2026/27 campaign. Stuttgart enters the fixture following a 5-1 loss to Bayern München, marking the team’s seventh consecutive defeat against the reigning champions. In contrast, 1. FC Köln carries momentum into the match after overturning two deficits to secure a 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim last week. Both teams face significant roster challenges, as 1. FC Köln will be without goal scorers Said El Mala and Thijs Dallinga due to illness. Stuttgart continues to manage a high volume of injuries affecting its squad depth, including the absence of Tiago Tomás. Following this encounter, Stuttgart prepares for upcoming matches against Hoffenheim and Dortmund, alongside an impending Champions League fixture against Viking FK.

• 10:43 AMYahoo Sports — VfB Stuttgart vs. 1. FC Köln preview: Hosts looking to rebound against in-form Köln